Importance of Airbags: A Glance into Car Safety

Posted on: Apr 27, 2022 | 3 Min | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Importance of Airbags: A Glance into Car Safety

What Are Car Airbags?

A car airbag is a piece of inflated safety gear that shields automobile occupants in the event of a sudden collision. They are often constructed of stretchable fabric, such as nylon. Airbags are a component of the passenger restraint safety feature, supplementing the protection provided by seatbelts. Airbags are passive safety devices placed in the cabins of cars so that they protect the passenger when there’s a collision or a rollover. These bags inflate swiftly and provide cushioning, providing the essential shielding to avert death or bone fractures induced by a collision.

Even the latest laser technology is being used to increase the accuracy of collision detection, and thus prevent accidents where no physical contact has happened yet. Modern cars are equipped with both driver and passenger airbag safety features.

Types of Car Airbags

Primarily, there are five types of airbags in most cars. They are:

• Frontal Airbags:

Built on the front dashboard and steering.

• Door-mounted airbags:

Installed on both front doors.

• Seat Mounted Airbags:

These are situated on the outside of the driver's seat, and occasionally on the front and rear passenger sides.

• Knee Airbags:

These are located in the lower portion of the instrument panel for the safety of the driver and front-seat passengers.

• Roof Rail Airbags:

Placed at the back of the trim covering the roof rails.

The airbag systems have undergone numerous advancements in recent years. Some of the additional airbag types are as follows:

• External hood airbag:

Placed below the windshield or on the outer sides

• Far-side airbag:

Placed vertically between the two front seats

• Flexible airbag seating system:

Consists of airbag cushion

• Panoramic sunroof airbag:

It is built into the lining of the roof

• Rear seat airbag:

Built on the back of the front seats

• Seat cushion airbag:

Built on the front seats

How Do Airbags Work?

Airbags function through a chemical process and a slew of sensors. But, before we get too far into how automobile airbags operate, let's take a look at a few of the car system's essential parts. Crash sensors, an inflator, an airbag module, and an airbag control unit comprise an airbag system. These pieces act together to efficiently release an airbag in the event of an accident or collision.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how an airbag works.

• If the crash sensors detect abrupt deceleration of the vehicle, the information is relayed to the car's airbag control unit, which is usually placed at the head of the car.

• Additional sensors, such as wheel motion sensors, passenger seat status sensors, pedal force sensors, and so on, send data to the primary control unit.

• This data is analysed by the car's airbag control unit, which can then trigger safety features, including smart door lock, seatbelt bolt lock, as well as airbag activation.

• When an accident is detected, the primary control unit transmits a message to the airbag inflator.

• The airbag inflator initiates a chemical spark, resulting in a Nitrogen gas outbreak. This nitrogen gas inflates the airbags.

• When the Nitrogen enters the airbags, the bags burst through the surface that houses them, cushioning the passengers and the driver.

• Finally, following deployment, the airbags deflate naturally.

Benefits of Car Airbags

When you're in an auto accident, chances are your vehicle will hit another car or truck. The impact can also result in a rollover or a head-on collision. During such sudden stops, the vehicles move out of their way and decelerate uncontrollably. Now, unless you're in one of those cars that have an airbag safety feature, collisions are going to be disastrous. Getting thrown at great speeds can lead to serious injuries, including death.

Airbags are air cushions that fill with air to compress and provide a cushion in the event of a collision. The airbag cushion is intended to help protect the occupants during collisions. For this reason, newer cars come equipped with dual functional airbags in the front seats. However, airbags should not be used as the sole safety feature in cars. It is meant to be used along with other devices, such as seatbelts and child-safety locks to ensure your physical safety in the car.

Airbag Safety Precautions

Airbags are crucial to vehicle occupant safety. However, there are some safety tips to follow to increase airbags’ effectiveness.

• Position the shoulder and lap belts correctly. The shoulder belt should fit over the body, but not on the neck.

• Some jurisdictions/laws have mandated clear guidelines for child restraints, and they advocate the use of children's car seats with due regard to the size and age of the child. Children should remain in the back of the car until a minimum age of 13 years.

• Keep a safe distance from the dashboard to optimise proper airbag functions. From the steering wheel to the driver's chest, there should be at least a 10-inch distance.

• Ignoring airbag warning lights can have severe repercussions. Book an immediate assessment if a light comes on—even if it goes off later.

• However slight the mishap was, the airbag must be inspected and replaced upon each collision.

CONCLUSION

Airbags are one of the most important safety devices used in modern motor vehicles. Along with seatbelts, it protects passengers from the impact generated during an accident. It can be quite expensive to replace airbags if they were damaged due to carelessness or improper handling, so it's always best to remember that airbags are only meant to protect you and your family members while on the road.

Last but not the least, it is always recommended to get a proper car insurance policy before you drive a new car. Car insurance is the best way to ensure that your new or old car stays as safe as possible while on the road.

FAQs

Is it safe to operate my vehicle when the airbag is activated?

If the dashboard airbag light illuminates, there is a malfunction with a component in the system. The airbag may not activate in the event of an accident. Therefore, driving a car with the airbag light on is not advised.

Can airbags shield passengers from injury?

Indeed, airbags can shield occupants from serious harm. Nonetheless, you must wear a seatbelt. The airbag's deployment force can result in injury if a person is not wearing a seatbelt.

In India, how many airbags are required?

Starting in January 2022, cars sold in India are mandated to have twin airbags (on the front passenger side and the driver side).

Can I disable the airbag system in my car?

No, a car's driver-side airbag cannot be turned off. However, if the vehicle includes a passenger airbag cut-off switch, you might be able to turn off the front passenger-side airbag. Usually, the switch is found on the dashboard of the passenger side. However, driving while the airbags are deactivated is unsafe.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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