Are Airbags Safe? Safety, Risks & Legal Advice for Injury Claims

Airbags: a double-edged sword in vehicle safety. They can be the difference between life and death in an accident, yet they can also cause injuries, sometimes serious.

Airbags are necessary for safety in vehicles, designed to protect people during crashes but they also come with some risks. Although airbags have saved over 50,000 lives, they can still cause injuries like neck injuries and burns. Their effectiveness varies based on the type of airbag, the crash, and how well the airbag system is maintained.

The article describes different kinds of airbags: frontal, side, knee, and curtain - each made for specific situations. New types like far-side and panoramic sunroof airbags offer even more protection. However, airbags can sometimes malfunction, which might lead to injuries or not deploying when needed. To stay safe, it's important to sit properly, always wear seat belts, and understand how airbags work. It's also important to keep the vehicle well-maintained to ensure the airbags function properly, which helps keep everyone safer on the road

Understanding Airbag Functionality

At their core, airbags are engineered to protect vehicle occupants during collisions. They come in various types, each with a unique deployment mechanism to maximize safety. Whether it's a motorcycle airbag developed by Honda to protect the rider during severe frontal collisions, or a seat cushion airbag intended to reduce forces exerted on an occupant's chest and abdomen, airbags are designed to protect each passenger in a specific way.

In fact, even seat belts are designed to improve safety in conjunction with airbags. Devices like inflatable seat belts distribute crash forces more effectively across the torso and chest, proving beneficial for both adults and children in the rear seat.

The deployment of an airbag, however, depends on various factors:

• The collision specifics
• The airbag system strategy
• The location and sensitivity of the crash sensors

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Types of Airbags

Airbags are designed in several types, each tailored to protect specific body areas during different types of collisions:

• Frontal Airbags: Protect the head and chest in head-on collisions by deploying from the steering wheel or dashboard.
• Side Airbags: Deploy during side-impact collisions to shield the head and chest from striking the car’s side structure or external objects, like poles or trees.
• Knee Airbags: Positioned to protect the knees and lower legs, reducing injury in frontal impacts.
• Curtain Airbags: These airbags drop down from the vehicle’s roof, shielding the heads of front and rear-seat passengers in a side collision or rollover.

Together, these airbags enhance occupant protection by deploying precisely when and where they are needed in a crash.

Innovations in Airbag Technology

Newer airbag types, like far-side airbags and panoramic sunroof airbags, provide even more safety:

• Far-Side Airbags: Prevent front-seat passengers from colliding with each other in side-impact crashes.
• Panoramic Sunroof Airbags: Designed to prevent occupants from being ejected through the sunroof in a rollover, especially helpful for those in child safety seats. As panoramic sunroofs gain popularity, these airbags are becoming more relevant.
• Smart Airbags: These airbags use sensors to detect passenger weight, height, and seating position. They adjust inflation based on crash severity, occupant size, seatbelt use, and vehicle speed, minimizing injury risk by providing customized protection for each occupant, including children.
• External Airbags: Designed to protect vulnerable road users, these airbags deploy from the side of the vehicle upon detecting an impact. For example, Volvo’s pedestrian hood airbag inflates from under the hood to shield pedestrians, demonstrating airbag technology's growing role in protecting those outside the vehicle as well.

Deployment Mechanism

Airbags, including those for passengers, deploy through a mechanism triggered by crash sensors. When a collision occurs, these sensors - whether impact, electromechanical, or MEMS-based chips detect the impact and send an electronic signal that inflates the airbags within milliseconds. For instance, side airbags deploy in as little as 10 milliseconds. These rapid responses rely on properly functioning sensors to maximize occupant safety.

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The Benefits of Airbags

Airbags have been proven to save lives. Since their introduction, they have preserved thousands of lives in car accidents. They are capable of preventing a variety of injuries, including:

• Bruises
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Lacerations
• Chemical burns

Airbags, such as side airbags, significantly lessen the chance of external and internal injuries during side-impact collisions by protecting critical body areas.

While the benefits of airbags are numerous, their advantages can be further categorized based on their type. Frontal airbags and side airbags, for instance, offer unique benefits that significantly improve occupant safety during vehicle crashes.

Frontal Airbag Advantages

Frontal airbags play a key role in improving vehicle safety. They decrease driver fatalities in frontal crashes by 29%, a statistic that speaks volumes about their importance in road safety. These airbags are activated from the dashboard during moderate to severe frontal collisions. They serve to protect the head and chest of the vehicle occupants, substantially diminishing the likelihood of fatal injuries.

These airbags, therefore, offer a first line of defense in head-on collisions. By cushioning the impact and protecting the head and chest, frontal air bags contribute to reducing fatalities and injuries during car accidents.

Side Airbag Benefits

Side airbags offer substantial protection during side-impact collisions. They:

• Decrease the likelihood of fatality in such collisions by as much as 52%
• Increase safety during crashes
• Result in a 31% reduction in the risk of death in nearside crashes when curtain and torso airbags are present

Head-protecting side airbags have been demonstrated to be important in side crash tests. They provide cushioning for the head and prevent contact with hazardous structures. Therefore, side airbags are important for occupant safety during side-impact crashes.

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Potential Dangers of Airbags

While airbags are critical safety features, they can pose potential dangers if they malfunction or cause injuries during deployment. A malfunctioning airbag can lead to additional injuries in a car accident, including:

• Neck injury
• Soft tissue injury
• Lacerations and abrasions
• eye injuries
• Potentially traumatic brain injuries

Even correctly functioning airbags can cause injuries such as burns, abrasions, and in some cases, fatalities, especially for occupants positioned in close proximity to the airbag.

The timing of airbag deployment is of utmost importance. Any delay, even a fraction of a second, can lead to serious injuries, particularly when the occupant's head is in close proximity to the inflating airbag. What steps can be taken to lessen these risks and prevent injuries related to airbag deployment?

Malfunctioning Airbags

Airbag malfunctions can be attributed to a variety of factors, including defective airbag sensors, manufacturing defects, and electrical issues. These issues can result in untimely or failed deployment. When an airbag fails to deploy correctly, it can cause additional injuries to the vehicle's occupants.

Airbags have a failure rate of approximately 0.51 percent, meaning approximately 1 in every 97 cars experiences an airbag malfunction. This statistic highlights the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and check-ups to make sure the proper functioning of airbags and minimize the risk of malfunctions.

Injuries Caused by Airbag Deployment

Injuries resulting from airbag deployment, also known as airbag injuries, can be severe and varied. They can include:

• Burns
• Abrasions
• Fractures
• Facial injuries such as bruising
• Chest injuries, including heart injuries
• Internal injuries
• Fatalities, especially for occupants positioned in close proximity to the airbag

The seating position of front seat passengers can significantly impact the injuries resulting from airbag deployment. Occupants who are seated too close to the airbag or are improperly positioned are at a higher risk of sustaining severe injuries during deployment. Hence, maintaining the proper seating position and using seat belts are key in preventing such injuries.

Preventing Airbag-Related Injuries

To prevent airbag-related injuries, follow these important steps:

• Maintain Proper Seating: Sit upright and at least 10 inches from the steering wheel. This positioning helps airbags deploy safely, reducing the risk of injury.
• Use Seat Belts: Seat belts keep occupants in the correct position, helping airbags work effectively to minimize injury. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that airbags alone reduce fatalities by 13%, but with a three-point seat belt, the reduction rises to 50%.
• Understand Airbag Function: Airbags are designed to spread impact forces, providing critical protection when used correctly.

Avoid common mistakes like sitting too close to the airbag, neglecting to wear seat belts, or not sitting upright. Following these guidelines significantly reduces the risk of airbag-related injuries.

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Legal Considerations and Liability

Understanding the legal aspects of airbag malfunctions is necessary, as manufacturers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective airbags. Product liability law holds manufacturers accountable for injuries from faulty products, such as airbags. If an airbag malfunctions, it’s crucial to retain evidence related to the airbag, crash sensors, and the vehicle’s computer.

To understand these types of cases, consulting experienced product liability lawyers, like the team at Muller Brazil in Philadelphia, is recommended for valuable guidance.

Product Liability Claims

A product liability claim may be filed by anyone injured due to a defective airbag. To support a claim, evidence must show defects or unreasonable risks associated with the airbag or its design. Common defects leading to airbag claims include:

• Design flaws
• Defective webbing
• Faulty inflators
• Non-deployment
• Late or overly aggressive deployment
• Sensor malfunctions
• Failure to warn

A rupturing airbag inflator, for instance, is an unreasonable risk that may result in severe injury or death.

Gathering Evidence

For airbag malfunction claims, the following steps are advised:

1. Seek immediate medical attention.
2. Report the accident to the police.
3. Consult a specialized lawyer.
4. Investigate the cause of the airbag failure.
5. Document and retain all evidence, including the condition of airbags and vehicle components.

A professional inspection, including visual assessment and photos of the airbag post-deployment, is necessary in establishing liability and supporting your case.

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Summary

Are airbags safe? While airbags serve as necessary safety features in vehicles, understanding their functions, benefits, and potential risks is key to maximizing their protective value. Staying informed about proper seating positions, seat belt use, and the latest airbag innovations helps you reduce injury risks on the road. However, if you or a loved one has been injured due to a faulty airbag, expert legal guidance can make a big difference. Visit Muller Brazil to learn more about your options and to consult with experienced product liability attorneys who can help you through your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are airbags 100% safe?

Airbags are important safety features in passenger vehicles, but they aren’t without risks. While airbags save lives, they can also cause injuries, sometimes severe or even fatal, especially for those in the front passenger seat or those seated too close to the airbag deployment area.

What happens when a passenger airbag deploys and hits you?

During an air bag deployment, it inflates rapidly to protect the vehicle interior, but the force can cause injuries, including facial fractures, chest injuries, and burns on areas like the chest, hands, and face. These injuries occur from the airbag's fabric moving along the skin, and the impact is especially strong for front-seat passengers.

How much safer is a car with airbags?

Airbags, especially when paired with shoulder seat belts, greatly improve passenger safety. In frontal crashes, they reduce the risk of death by 61% when used with seat belts, compared to a 50% reduction with seat belts alone. Air bag safety features in passenger vehicles are therefore important for both front and back seat occupants.

Can an airbag cause you to lose consciousness?

Yes, an airbag can potentially cause concussions, brain swelling, and bruising upon impact, especially for those seated close to the airbag deployment area. These injuries may result in temporary loss of consciousness, and eye injuries are also possible due to the force of the inflating airbag.

Can airbags protect passengers in the back seat?

Airbags in passenger vehicles are typically designed to protect both front and back seat passengers. Side curtain airbags, for example, deploy along the side windows to shield both front and back seat occupants from side-impact collisions, providing enhanced airbag safety throughout the vehicle.

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