Air Bags
How Do Air Bags Work
Air bags are connected to sensors that detect sudden deceleration. When activated, the sensor sends an electrical signal that ignites a chemical propellant, and when ignited, this propellent produces nitrogen gas, which inflates the air bag. This process occurs very quickly—in less than one-twentieth of a second—faster than the blink of an eye. Most air bags have internal tether straps that shape the fabric and limit the movement of the bag. Vents in the rear allow the bag to deflate slowly to cushion the head as it moves forward into the deploying air bag.
Sensors deploy air bags only when deceleration exceeds a minimum threshold. If the change in speed due to an impact is lower than the threshold, the air bag will not inflate. In low- to moderate-speed collisions, the seat belt alone is usually sufficient to prevent serious injury. In high-speed crashes, the seat belt may not be able to prevent the driver’s head from striking the steering wheel or the passenger’s head from hitting the dashboard. Frontal air bags protect the head and upper body in frontal crashes and are not designed to open in rear-end collisions, side impacts, or rollovers. Air bags may deploy in undercarriage impacts and angled collisions, including side impacts, where there is sufficient longitudinal deceleration.
Why Do Air Bags Sometimes Cause Injuries?
In order to protect the head and upper body in high-impact crashes, air bags must inflate so quickly, and with such force, that they can cause injuries. While most of these injuries are minor, consisting only of bruises and abrasions, some are more serious, such as broken arms. In extreme cases, such as when the head or chest is against the module when it opens, fatal injuries can result.
Air Bags and Children
When combined with safety belts, air bags can go a long way in protecting adults and older children from injury during a collision. These devices have saved lives and prevented many serious injuries. But infants and young children can be injured or even killed if they are riding in the front passenger seat when an air bag opens.
Air bags were designed with adults in mind: They need to open at up to 200 miles per hour to protect an average-sized, 165-pound (75-kilogram) male from injury. While this force is appropriate for adults and bigger kids, it can be dangerous for smaller passengers, possibly resulting in head and neck injuries. Protect your child from air bag injury by following these rules:
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