An airbag is a safety pillow in a car. However, the duality of airbags is interesting. It is in the steering wheel for drivers, and for passengers, it is in the dashboard. It inflates quickly when a collision occurs, providing a cushioning effect to protect occupants from serious injuries.
The idea is to absorb some of the impact and help reduce the risk of injury, especially to the head and chest. Automobile manufacturers began to add side-impact airbags for the back seats as an additional safety feature around the 2000s.
The pros of having airbags are crystal clear because they’ve undoubtedly saved numerous lives by cushioning impact during accidents. However, airbags have their cons too.
Airbags pose a risk when they are not used correctly or are tampered with. A significant amount of force deploys the airbag, inflates it, and protects occupants quickly.
Some of the reasons why airbags can be dangerous:
- Proximity to the Steering Wheel or Dashboard
Sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases the risk of injury from the forceful deployment of the airbag.
- Incorrect Installation
If an airbag is not installed or maintained properly, it may not deploy as intended or could deploy unexpectedly.
- Small Children and Infants
Children are more vulnerable to airbag deployment due to their size and weight. It is unsafe for them to sit in the front seat, especially if the airbag is active.
- Defective Airbags
In some cases, defective airbags may malfunction, leading to injuries. This issue is more common in older vehicles or those with recalled airbags.
- Deployment in Low-Impact Collisions
Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe crashes. In low-impact collisions, their deployment might cause unnecessary injuries.
For maximum safety, follow all car safety guidelines and avoid careless acts like putting your legs on the dashboard. Airbag-related problems should be taken care of quickly to minimize risks.
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