Vehicle Safety - Airbags

You could be forgiven for thinking that after decelerating by 12 – 10 mph within a specific time after a frontal collision, that an explosion from the steering wheel and the thought of being smacked in the face by what appears to be a solid airbag, that you are going to get hurt or even worse, seriously injured from rebounding off the bag into the door.  Truth is, airbags are not designed this way. 

 Activated for approximately 3 milli-seconds, the explosion sounds like a packet of crisps popping and the bag is not air tight, ensuring that no sooner is it inflated, it has deflated.  Operated in accordance with manufacturer safety guidelines, such as wearing your seat belt, actually increases your chances of survival.   The gas canister used to fill the airbag may leave your vehicle full of smoke but this will die down quite quickly.  Resisting the natural instinct to panic and leave the vehicle as soon as possible is the hardest part, especially as if you have been injured because you will make it worse by moving. 

Understanding how a vehicle knows when to and what airbag to deploy at the right time is an incredible feat established with time, patience and allot of dedication by engineers for vehicle safety.  Sensors across the vehicle determine at what deceleration rate each airbag should be deployed at, in addition to the point of impact.

People are warned however, to ensure that modifications to a vehicle should not be attempted unless approved by the manufacturer as any additions to a vehicle can affect the deployment of safety features.  People are also advised not to bang excessively in the middle of the steering wheel as this too can affect the effectiveness of the airbag deployment.

Another point to consider is the use of car seats in the front passenger seat.  Airbags are designed to protect adults and could have an oppositional affect with regards to the safety of a young child.  More so with a rear facing child seat.  Therefore, children and car seats should always be kept in the rear.  There are options to disable airbags for this cause, although this is not recommended.  If you do not possess a child safety seat, it is wise to buy a brand new one.  Not second hand or hired as you do not know if it has been in an accident at all.  If it has been in an accident then it may not serve as expected should it be involved in another.

A reputable long term car rental company will ensure all their vehicles meet strict manufacturer safety guildlines by having vehicles serviced on a very regular basis.  Any faults are reported to dealerships and the vehicle repaired or replaced.