Tag: Overview

Airbag car

An Overview of Car Air Bags

Car airbags are considered to be an effective protective measure that helps reduce the impact of accidents on passengers. It is said to have reduced fatalities by over 52% for belted drivers with front airbags and SUVs equipped with the side airbags.

How airbags function

In any particular automobile, there is a sensor which detects a collision. In case of a collision, the sensor will send an electric signal to the airbag storage. The signal gets to the igniter compound that gets heated up because of decomposition of the sodium azide compound, which is in the compartment. Thus, the heat fills up the airbag with nitrogen. This happens in a very small duration of about 0.03 seconds. In less than a second, the airbag creates a buffer between occupants of car and steering column or dashboard.

Benefits of airbags

Although it has resulted in a decrease in fatality rate, it is necessary to understand other important to understand other useful benefits:

Airbags are quite effective when it comes to protecting passengers from any considerable spine, neck, or head injury. They do so by providing adequate cushioning. You should note that they reduce distance which the head of a passenger moves forward. In this way, it also reduces the risk of head injury. Airbags are designed to work as a protective wall between passenger and windshield and also the windows of a car. In this way, they protect the passengers from getting ejected from a car.

Limitation of airbags

Although in very limited instances, airbag deployment has caused ignition of diesel/petrol fumes. This may be caused by the explosion of igniter element which leads to severe burns and injuries. As a result of deployment of airbags, it can get up to 200 Mph. This may result in internal injuries and severe fractures. This is the case when a driver is too close to steering. Thus, for airbags to be useful, it is necessary that a vehicle has both side airbags and front airbags.

Tips concerning airbags

It is advisable to invest in a vehicle which has both front and side airbags. Always, use a seat belt. This is because airbags have been found to be more effective when used on a belted passenger. If the airbags have been used during a collision, you need to have them re-installed by a reputable auto repair shop.…