How Do Airbags Protect You From Car Accidents?

Airbags are a standard safety feature in all cars, starting with the 1999 model year. They’re crucial for major injury prevention in car accidents. Still, you might ask yourself “How do airbags protect you exactly?”

Formula 1 Collision Center in Tucson is one of the best auto body repair shops in the area. Our mechanics regularly see the physical damage that a crash can leave on a car, so we know the life-saving benefits that airbags provide. Learn more about airbags below, and contact our team if you have other questions.

How Airbags Work

Having a car with airbags is just one of the ways you can stay safe on the road. They’re a popular inflatable safety device called a supplementary Resistance System. They consist of nylon bags neatly tucked in small hidden flaps around the vehicle. 

When one of the car’s sensors that regulate airbag deployment detects a collision, it will trigger the chemical reaction that rapidly deploys and inflates the nylon bag with nitrogen gas. As a result, the airbag will quickly blow out its flaps to soften the blow of the collision’s impact on the vehicle’s occupants. The rapid deployment occurs in the blink of an eye.

Types of Airbags

People often associate airbags with the one conveniently located within the steering wheel. Yet, most modern vehicles have strategically placed airbags throughout vehicle cabins to ensure maximum safety for drivers and riders. 

Common airbag types include:

• Front Airbags
• Center Airbags
• Rear Airbags
• Knee Airbags
• Side Airbags
• Inflatable Seat Belts

Are Airbags Effective Car Occupant Protection?

How do airbags protect you? Airbags help improve vehicle crashworthiness.

They provide a much-needed cushion against the rigid structures and surfaces inside the car. Though they deploy quickly, they immediately deflate to prevent suffocation. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, front airbags alone are responsible for preventing more than 50,000 vehicular collision fatalities over a span of 30 years. They significantly reduce the risk of a major head or upper body injury due to striking the car cabin’s interior upon impact. 

How to Prevent Serious Injuries Using Airbags

Despite the safety benefits of airbags, they can cause injuries in some cases. The force at which the bags deploy can lead to bruising or fractures. Malfunctioning airbags can cause ear trauma, eye injuries, and burns. 

The best way to avoid airbag injury while driving is to sit at least ten inches from the steering wheel. Children under 12 are vulnerable, so they should sit in a car seat in the back. 

Turn to Formula 1 Collision Center for Auto Collision Repair in Tucson

How do airbags protect you? Airbags can cushion the blow of vehicle collisions on passengers. Unfortunately, your car’s exterior doesn’t have that kind of protection. 

Formula 1 Collision Center delivers the best solutions for any auto body need. Our crew of skilled mechanics and technicians have more than 40 years of experience repairing car accident damage and restoring deployed inflatable restraint systems.

Want to know what causes accidents, the most common collision between cars and motorcycles, or need to fix your vehicle after a collision? Call (520) 369-4291 to schedule an appointment with us.