Airbags are an important safety feature in vehicles, especially cars. They are designed to keep drivers and passengers safe during a collision. Airbags prevent the head, neck, and chest from slamming into the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield during a head-on collision.
Although the main purpose of airbags is to act as lifeguards for people, they can also cause injuries. Hence, all drivers need to get to know them and avoid crashes that may trigger a release. This article will share the five most common injuries people get from airbags during an accident.
Face injuries
Face injuries from airbags are very common due to airbags’ positioning, making it the primary target. When the airbag comes in contact with the face during a collision, fragile bones in the face can fracture.
Also, your eyes, nose, and lips can suffer from bruises and permanent damage, such as blindness, depending on the severity of the crash. Concussions are also possible when the head comes in contact with the airbag.
Neck and back injuries
The airbag prevents your body from being thrown forward in a sudden movement during a crash. Doing so can damage body parts like the neck and the back.
During a head-on collision, a whiplash or neck injury is highly possible due to damage to soft tissues in the area. Likewise, your cervical spine is vulnerable to the impact of an airbag. This can lead to stiffness and pain in the back.
Chest injuries
An airbag release is fast and hard and can be difficult to handle. They are set this way to prevent the impacts of an accident that can otherwise be fatal to drivers and passengers in the front seat.
So, when the airbag collides with the moving body of the driver, the chest is vulnerable to injuries. Bones in the chest can break, bruises can appear on the skin, and soft tissue can damage.
Burns
Another common type of injury resulting from airbag deployment speed is burns. Surface abrasions on the face and arms are common as they come in direct contact with the airbag.
The skin on the neck and chest can also suffer burns. As airbags are typically made from woven nylon fabric, they can cause friction that leaves burns on the skin.
Internal injuries
Other than the external injuries mentioned above, airbags can also cause internal injuries. The chemicals released during their deployment can irritate the lungs and skin (airbag dermatitis) and cause asthma attacks.
Excessive pressure on the abdomen can result in lacerations to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs, and heart. Internal bruising or bleeding from airbags is also possible.
Be careful of airbag injuries
Airbag injuries can be hazardous and are not to be taken lightly. Severe incidents can even lead to death in some cases.
Hence, you should always prioritise your safety and loved ones by preventing accidents at all costs. Safe driving is key to ensuring airbags don’t cause unwanted injuries to drivers and passengers.
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