Car accidents are unpredictable yet unsightly scenes that we experience on our roads often. For this reason, automobile developers ensure various safety measures to enhance driver safety. These include safety belts, rear mirrors, airbags and more, and it can be tragic when such devices fail. For instance, airbags play a critical role in mitigating injuries during crashes. They lessen the force exerted, thus protecting different parts of the body.
Let’s begin by understanding what airbags are and their role.
The airbag system is a vital component of any vehicle. It’s one of the safety components that ensures that passengers avoid fatal injuries and possibly survive a crash that could otherwise lead to severe injuries and deaths. Still, if involved in an accident, you should know where to get exemplary car towing service Melbourne. And this helps in getting a tow back for smash repairs or other locations after the accident.
What are airbags? These are pieces of stretchable fabric and other materials, tightly fastened in multiple locations of your automobile. In most cars, they are at the front of the dashboard or the vehicle’s side. These bags are packed in a tiny area but fill up with air during crashes to offer a cushioning system for passengers in the car. This then avoids people from being thrown around during a crash.
How do airbags work during car crashes?
The airbag system consists of various parts. The most critical components are the crash sensor and the inflator, and they play a significant role during accidents. Airbag sensors are either electrical or manual, and both serve the same purpose.
During an accident, the crash sensor indicates when a vehicle has been involved in a crash. The sensor responds to various stimuli, like sudden stops, increased pressure resulting from collisions and more. Once the crash sensor signals the airbag unit, the airbag control unit interprets the data relayed and takes appropriate measures to avert danger. The actions taken include;
- Seat belt lock
- Automatic door locks
- Airbag deployment
The airbag system highly relies on sensors for optimal performance. If the crash sensors aren’t working effectively, the airbag system also fails.
What of the inflator? Once the sensor determines that there’s an accident, it signals the inflator system. This then sets off a chemical charge, resulting in an explosion of nitrogen gas that fills up the airbag.
As the airbag fills up, it bursts through its paneling, thus entering the car’s space to cushion passengers for enhanced protection. The action happens very fast, within a span of 25-50 milliseconds. Later on, the airbag deflates by itself. Not that the airbag only works with a seatbelt.
What injuries does a car airbag prevent?
In the event of an accident, airbags offer additional cushioning and protect the most vulnerable parts of your body. These are, for example, the head, neck and chest. The airbags work closely with a seatbelt to minimize and safely distribute the force and impact of the accident on the vehicle occupants.
A quick wrap up
Airbags are vital safety devices that prevent fatal injuries to passengers. However, they are dangerous for children, and you shouldn’t sit in the front seat if traveling with kids. The next time you embark on a tip, buckle your kids on age-appropriate seats to enhance their safety.
