If you have ever witnessed an airbag deployment during a car accident, then you know how important this safety feature is. Airbags are designed to help save people who are involved in a car crash. There are multiple types of airbags in cars that help bring about different functions, depending upon the type of accident. However, the common intention behind deploying all these vehicles modules is to protect the passengers of the vehicle in case they suffer injuries while involved in a road crash. Car insurance helps you to financially recover in case of an unfortunate traffic accident but car features like airbags help you reduce or prevent injuries in such cases. This article will help you understand the importance of airbags in car and passenger safety.
● What exactly are airbags?
Safety is the primary concern for carmakers. A car airbag is a piece of inflated safety gear that shields automobile occupants in the event of a sudden collision. They are often constructed of stretchable fabric, such as nylon. Airbags in automobiles are a component of the passenger restraint safety feature, supplementing the protection provided by seatbelts. Airbags are passive safety devices placed in the cabin of cars so that they provide protection to the passenger when there’s a collision or a rollover. Based on the kind of airbag, these bags are firmly packed in various areas around the cabin of the vehicle. These bags inflate swiftly and provide cushioning, providing the essential shielding to avert death or bone fractures induced by a collision.
As compared to conventional seatbelts, airbags improve road safety by a huge margin. Even the latest laser technology is being used to increase the accuracy of collision detection, and thus prevent accidents where no physical contact has happened yet. While seat belts are an important part of car safety, airbags are an added safeguard. They’re a necessary precaution in case the seatbelt fails or is neglected. Modern cars are equipped with both driver and passenger airbag safety features.
● How do airbag works in cars?
Airbags function through a chemical process and a slew of sensors. But, before we get too far into how automobile airbags operate, let’s take a look at a few of the car system’s essential parts. Crash sensors, an inflator, an airbag module, and an airbag control unit comprise an airbag system. These pieces act together to efficiently release an airbag in the event of an accident or collision.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how an airbag works.
1. If the crash sensors detect abrupt deceleration of the vehicle, the information is relayed to the car’s airbag control unit, which is usually placed at the head of the car.
2. Additional sensors, such as wheel motion sensors, passenger seat status sensors, pedal force sensors, and so on, send data to the primary control unit.
3. This data is analysed by the car’s airbag control unit, which can then trigger safety features including smart door lock, seatbelt bolt lock, as well as airbag activation.
4. When an accident is detected, the primary control unit transmits a message to the airbag inflator.
5. The airbag inflator initiates a chemical spark, resulting in a Nitrogen gas outbreak. This nitrogen gas inflates the airbags.
6. When the Nitrogen enters the airbags, the bags bursts through the surface that houses them, cushioning the passengers and the driver.
7. Finally, following deployment, the airbags deflate naturally.
The airbag systems are getting better and better nowadays. One of the most interesting innovations in airbags is their quick deployment time. I know it sounds mind-boggling, but that’s the reality. The airbags deploy in around 55 milliseconds. Now you know why they are called “Safety in Seconds”.
There are three types of deployment, being driver’s-side frontal, side impacts and rear impacts. The speed is calculated by how long it takes to open the door after impact and this can be between 50 – 80 milliseconds
● Importance of Airbags:
When you’re in an auto accident, chances are your vehicle will hit another car or truck. The impact can also result in a rollover or a head-on collision. During such sudden stops, the vehicles move out of their way and decelerate uncontrollably. Now, unless you’re in one of those cars that have an airbag safety feature, collisions are going to be disastrous. Getting thrown at great speeds can lead to serious injuries, including death.
Airbags are air cushions that fill with air to compress and provide a cushion in the event of a collision. The airbag cushion is intended to help protect the occupants during collisions. For this reason, newer cars come equipped with dual functional airbags in the front seats. However, airbags should not be used as the sole safety feature in cars. It is meant to be used along with other devices, such as seatbelts and child-safety locks to ensure your physical safety in the car.
Airbags are one of the most important safety devices used in modern motor vehicles. Along with seatbelts, it protects passengers from the impact generated during an accident. Airbag deployment is a complex mechanism that has to follow a series of steps to protect drivers from injury in case of a collision. It can be quite expensive to replace airbags if they were damaged due to carelessness or improper handling, so it’s always best to remember that airbags are only meant to protect you and your family members while on the road.
Last but not the least, it is always recommended to get a proper car insurance policy before you drive a new car. Vehicle insurance is the best way to ensure that your new or old car stays as safe as possible while on the road. There are some instances where you may not have insurance, and this can lead to financial disaster, so try to keep your car safe with a reliable form of coverage.