Airbags Can Keep You Safe From Injury, But This is Not Guaranteed
Airbags, both front and side, are required on all automobiles, including trucks and SUVs, that are purchased in the United States. Although airbag safety in cars has been a point of contention since the ’50s, Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 mandated the use of the airbag, paired with seatbelts, as an approach to prevent injuries during car crashes.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, airbags at the front reduce deaths in drivers using seatbelts in head-on collisions by 52 percent, while side airbags with added protection of the head reduce fatalities for drivers using seat belts in driver-side collisions by 37 percent. Additionally, SUVs that have side airbags and head protection lowered the chance of a driver deaths by more than 50%.
Advantages of Using an Airbag
Airbags were made to fill up with air automatically in the case of an abrupt deceleration or impact force indicative of a collision. When the bag is fully inflated, it provides protection to the driver or passengers by:
– Adding more padding to the neck and head, as well as the spine.
– Limiting the distance a motorist’s head may fly forward and reduce the amount of force striking it.
– Reducing the likelihood that a driver or passenger is thrown through the window of a vehicle.
Someone who is hurt in an accident can die from severe injuries if the airbag wasn’t present. Motorists have suffered injuries such as broken bones, traumatic head injuries or even a spinal cord injury. An airbag protects them from the impact in a crash.
The Dangers of Airbags
Airbags aren’t 100% guaranteed to stop injuries or even deaths in a severe car crash. In some cases, airbag activation may be harmful. Almost 300 individuals have died as a direct consequence of airbags, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. These are the reasons why:
Airbag ignition. The steering wheel’s ignition creates nitrogen gas, which inflates the airbags. When a collision is detected, the vehicle’s sensor signals the detonator, which essentially explodes and releases nitrogen to inflate the airbag. This explosion may sometimes ignite fumes of gasoline or other combustible car components, putting anyone inside the car in danger.
Talcum powder. The nylon fabric of the airbag is treated with talcum powder to make it easier to remove from the steering wheel. When the bag detonates, the powder detonates as well. This dust cloud has caused breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems for some drivers after a crash.
Airbag deployment force. An airbag can inflate with rates that equal as much as 200 miles per hour. Because of this, the force may cause serious injury such as bone fractures or internal damage if your body is too near to the steering wheel when the bag inflates.
What Do You Do If You Are Injured by an Airbag During a Car Collision?
If you were hurt by an airbag, either front of the side, and suspect that it was caused by a malfunctioning airbag or collision sensor during a crash, you need to attempt to retain the airbag and any related components.
The actual airbag or any safety equipment that may have malfunction should be retained as evidence if you decide to file a claim or lawsuit. You will have a tough time filing an injury claim without these.
When pursuing compensation for an airbag injury, you will want to get an accident lawyers free consultation as quickly as possible following your accident to ensure you receive the support you need.