Airbags are one of the most important safety innovations of recent decades. This cushion-like is designed to inflate in case of a car accident to protect occupants from injuries.
Airbags work by inflating when a sensor connected to your vehicle’s airbag detects a collision. They are inflated by nitrogen gas and will deflate as soon as the driver or passengers make contact with the airbag.
While it is meant to protect you in the event of an accident, please note that airbags can be the source of many critical injuries.
Common types of airbag injuries
Airbags exert a lot of force when it is deployed in a crash. They may cause a variety of injuries to different body parts such as your head, neck, arms and torso.
Some of the most common injuries caused by airbags include:
- Lacerations, abrasions and impact burns
- Asthma attacks
- Pulmonary and cardiac complications
- Rib fractures or fractures to the sternum, skull, nose, eye socket, elbow, wrist or fingers
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of hearing
- Facial contusions
- Strains or trauma to the neck or back
- Damage to internal organs
- Injuries to the fetus if the victim is a woman and is pregnant
How to prevent airbag injuries
While airbags could kill, you always take precautionary steps to reduce the risk of an airbag injury in an accident.
Proper seating position
The right seating position allows the airbag to have enough room to deploy without hurting you. You are advised to keep a safe distance from the airbag on the steering wheel.
Experts suggested the driver slide your seat back until you have a minimum of 10 inches between your chest and the steering wheel. If this position prevents you from reaching the steering wheel or the gas and brake pedals, then after sliding your seat back as far as possible, tilt the seat back.
Avoid excessive tilting because it may cause the seat belt to injure you in an accident.
Wear safety belt
Airbags were never intended to replace seat belts; they are supplemental restraints. They are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them to reduce injuries and deaths.
A safety belt will hold your body restrained and in the right position for airbag cushioning. You may sustain an even worse injury if you are not wearing safety seat belts.
If you are pregnant, please should avoid driving whenever possible. There can be a risk of injury to the fetus from the airbag and the steering column.
Remove dashboard accessories
Please do not place any accessories on your dashboard covering the passengers’ airbags. The accessories could obstruct the airbag deployment process, preventing it from functioning as intended.
Examples are figurines, soft toys and various other kinds of memorabilia.
These objects can become deadly projectiles in the event the airbag is deployed.
Child seats at the rear
Airbags can save lives and are essential car safety features, but they can also be very dangerous for children.
A child who rides unrestrained in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side airbag is at risk for serious injury or death if the airbag deploys.
Therefore, it is best to place them in the back seat. Make sure they are properly buckled up or restrained in a child restraint device.
Hand positions
Your hand position also plays a role in securing your safety.
You are advised to hold the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o’clock or 8 and 4 o’clock positions. This prevents your wrists or arms from being broken or forcibly hitting you in the face when an airbag deploys.
Take measurement steps to avoid airbag injuries
We certainly hope such terrible incidents do not happen to you.
Please be careful and follow the safety tips to prevent airbag injury. Stay safe!
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison websites, offering policies from over 10 brands. Get your free insurance quote from Bjak today!
Also read:
