Airbag Deployment in a Car Crash: Understanding the Process

Car crashes

are a leading cause of death worldwide, with millions of people involved in accidents every year. While some accidents are minor, others can be devastating, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. In such situations, airbags play a vital role in reducing the severity of injuries and protecting the occupants of the vehicle. In this blog, we will discuss the process of airbag deployment in a car crash and the factors that influence its effectiveness.

What are airbags?

Airbags are safety devices that inflate rapidly in a car crash to cushion the impact and protect the occupants of the vehicle. They are designed to supplement the use of seatbelts and reduce the risk of serious injuries, particularly to the head and chest. Most cars are equipped with two frontal airbags – one for the driver and one for the front passenger – while some vehicles also have side airbags and curtain airbags that provide protection in a side impact or rollover.

How do airbags work?

Airbags are triggered by a sensor that detects a sudden deceleration or change in velocity, indicating a crash has occurred. The sensor sends a signal to the airbag control module, which activates the inflator to release a burst of nitrogen gas. This gas inflates the airbag within milliseconds, filling it with a mixture of nitrogen and argon or helium to cushion the impact and protect the occupants.

The inflation of an airbag is a controlled process that occurs in three stages:

1. Detection Stage: The sensor detects a sudden change in velocity or deceleration, which triggers the inflator to start the airbag deployment process.
2. Inflation Stage: The inflator releases a burst of nitrogen gas to fill the airbag, which then expands and inflates within milliseconds.
3. Deflation Stage: After the airbag has fully inflated, it begins to deflate slowly, allowing the occupants to exit the vehicle safely.

What factors influence airbag deployment?

Several factors can affect the effectiveness of airbags in a car crash, including the speed and angle of impact, the type of collision, and the position and size of the occupants.

1. Speed and angle of impact: The speed and angle of impact play a crucial role in determining the severity of a crash and the effectiveness of airbags. In a frontal crash, the airbags are designed to deploy when the vehicle hits an object at a speed of 10-15 mph or higher. If the impact is too slow or too severe, the airbags may not deploy properly, or they may not deploy at all. Similarly, if the angle of impact is too steep or too shallow, the airbags may not provide adequate protection to the occupants.
2. Type of collision: The type of collision also affects airbag deployment. In a frontal crash, the airbags are designed to deploy straight out of the dashboard to protect the head and chest of the occupants. In a side impact or rollover, however, the airbags are designed to deploy from the side of the vehicle to provide protection to the head and torso. The timing and force of airbag deployment are different in each type of collision, and the airbags may not be effective in all situations.
3. Position and size of the occupants: The position and size of the occupants also affect airbag deployment. Airbags are designed to protect adults who are sitting upright in the seat with their feet on the floor. If the occupant is leaning forward, reclining, or not wearing a seatbelt, the airbag may not provide adequate protection. Similarly, if the occupant is too small or too large, the airbag may not be able to cushion the impact effectively.

Are airbags safe?

Airbags have been a standard safety feature in cars since the 1990s and have saved countless lives and prevented injuries. However, like any safety device, airbags have their limitations and can pose some risks if not used properly.

One of the main risks associated with airbags is the potential for injury from the airbag itself. When an airbag deploys, it releases a burst of gas at high speed, which can cause minor abrasions, bruises, or even more serious injuries such as burns, fractures, or internal injuries. These injuries are more likely to occur if the occupant is sitting too close to the airbag or is not positioned correctly in the seat.

To minimize the risk of injury from airbags, it is important to follow some basic safety guidelines. First, always wear a seatbelt and sit in an upright position with your feet on the floor. This will ensure that you are in the optimal position to receive the protection of the airbag. Second, do not place any objects or accessories such as phone holders or seat covers on the dashboard or steering wheel that can interfere with airbag deployment. Third, do not place infants or children in the front seat of a vehicle with an active airbag, as the force of deployment can be fatal to small children.

Another potential risk associated with airbags is the possibility of a malfunction or unintended deployment. In some cases, airbags may deploy even when there is no crash or when the crash is not severe enough to warrant deployment. This can happen due to a defect in the sensor or inflator or due to a malfunction in the airbag control module. Unintended deployment can be dangerous, as it can startle the driver or cause the occupant to lose control of the vehicle.

To prevent unintended deployment of airbags, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for the vehicle and to have any issues with the airbag system diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic. In addition, it is important to avoid rough handling or impacts to the vehicle that could trigger an unintended deployment.

In conclusion, airbags are a crucial safety feature in cars that can help prevent serious injuries and fatalities in a crash. However, they are not foolproof and can pose some risks if not used properly. By following basic safety guidelines and being aware of the factors that can influence airbag deployment, we can maximize their effectiveness and minimize their risks.

Should you consult a personal injury attorney if you have been involved in a car accident significant enough to deploy airbags?

As discussed above, air bags usually only deploy as a result of a significant front or side impact. While they have reduced injury, they are not foolproof and quite often drivers and passengers will still sustain injuries as a result of an accident causing the airbags to deploy. It is always advisable to seek medical evaluation and treatment following any serous automobile accident. Seeking legal advice is also advised for any accident resulting in personal injuries. Call our offices for any motor vehicle collision claim in California resulting in personal injuries at 866-966-5240.