According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA, “Frontal airbags have saved 25,782 lives between 1987 and 2008.” However, there are some things that a car owner should know to help minimize injury to the driver and vehicle passengers. Before learning some of the methods of proper airbag usage, it’s important to get a basic understanding of how airbags work.
How Do Airbags Work?
Safety airbags are commonly referred to as Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS). When vehicle SRS airbags were first introduced, they were used primarily for frontal crashes. In many modern vehicles, they are used for frontal and side impacts as well as rollovers. There are basically three main components used in frontal impact, side impact, and rollover SRSs, the:
- air bag module
- crash sensors
- electronic control unit
Crash sensors measure vehicle movement when an impact occurs. As an example, with a side impact the sensors determine the actual movement of the vehicle from the side. Once the sensor detects rapid movement of an impact, it sends a signal to the electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU then decides if the airbag(s) should be deployed. The ECU may also perform other electronic vehicle functions.
Once the ECU determines an impact, it activates the appropriate air bag module(s). The module contains the inflators and the actual airbags. The inflators fill the actual air bag with gases to create a soft cushion barrier between the vehicle occupants and injury causing vehicle components. The air bag modules usually have a cover that matches the interior color and is identified with “SRS” or “Airbag.”
Safety Tips for Proper Air Bag Usage
Most cars and trucks that are equipped with an SRS have a warning light in the dashboard. The light is normally amber in color and either has the words “air bag” on its face or an identifying symbol. If the light is illuminated or flashing there’s a good chance the SRS is not working and the air bags may not deploy upon impact.
Air bags are not a substitute for seat belts. Seat belts are considered the primary restraint system for vehicle safety; air bags are considered a supplemental system. The SRS for a vehicle are designed to work in conjunction with the safety restraints (seat belts). All occupants of a vehicle should always use safety restraints for maximum protection from a collision.
The placement of child passengers needs special consideration when it comes to airbags. The deployment of an airbag can cause serious injury to smaller children. As a general rule of thumb, the back seat of a passenger car (preferably in the middle of a rear seat) is the safest place for a child. There are also special considerations for the placement of child car seats as it pertains to an airbag system.
For cars and trucks without rear seating, place a child under the age of 12 in the front seat only if the vehicle is equipped with an air bag on/off switch. Ensure that the switch is in the off position when placing the child in the front seat. Always be cognizant to the position of the airbag on/off switch when passengers and children are riding in the vehicle.
Source:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accessed March 20, 2011,
James Clausen - Clausen received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration in Automotive Management and Marketing at Northwood University, graduating ...
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