Airbags, which inflate quickly when sensors detect an accident and protect occupants from the harshest hits, are a standard safety element in today’s vehicles. If they perform as intended, they lessen the severity of injuries and sometimes even save lives. In some circumstances, they may potentially increase the risk of injury, so they aren’t foolproof. You can learn more here about what your legal options are in a defective product case.
Airbag Functions
A car’s airbags are essentially inflatable cushions mounted in key locations inside the vehicle. The devices include crash-detection sensors that send a signal to deploy the airbags in the event of a collision. If the vehicle’s occupants were wearing seatbelts, the system could determine exactly when to activate the airbags. Some airbag systems, for instance, are configured to deploy at slower speeds for unbelted occupants and at slower speeds for belted occupants. All new cars must have front airbags since 1999. Although side airbags are not required by law, most modern automobiles come equipped with them for further protection of the driver and front passenger. Extra recent advancements in airbag technology include:
- There should be curtain airbags in the back windows to protect the passengers, and there should be airbags in the front seats and on the doors to prevent injury to the driver and front-seat passengers.
- Safety belts that inflate to cushion passengers’ chests and transmit impact forces to the knees and thighs are two examples of airbags.
- Airbags are widely acknowledged to be highly effective safety devices. However, there are hazards associated with using them.
Safeguarding Your Health
The usage of airbags has the potential to both prevent and inflict severe injuries. However, you can lessen the likelihood of such an injury by taking certain precautions, such as:
- Maintaining a distance of no less than 10 inches between your chest and the hub of the vehicle’s steering wheel;
- Never lean on the airbag compartment with your arms, legs, or any other body part;
- Staying away from aftermarket dashboards and seat covers, as they might deflect or inhibit the activation of airbags.
- Having the kids take the back seats.
Airbags can save lives, but they can also cause harm if they fail to deploy properly or if the impact is too great. If this has happened to you, consult an attorney as you may be entitled to financial compensation if the airbag was at fault.
