Since the late 1990s frontal airbags have been standard equipment in all passenger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags have saved over 50,000 lives over 30 years. When used correctly and in conjunction with seat belts, airbags can be an invaluable safety tool. Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (IIA) is a firm believer in driving safety and education. Understanding airbag safety can be a crucial step in minimizing potential risks and preventing injuries during accidents.
How airbags work
Airbags are inflatable cushions built into the front and side of a car to protect occupants from hitting the car or objects outside the car, such as a tree or wall during a crash. According to the NHTSA, airbags are to be considered supplemental protection and were designed to work most effectively in combination with seat belts. Typically, both frontal and side-impact airbags will deploy in moderate to severe crashes. However, airbags may deploy during a more minor crash. During an impactful crash, a signal will be sent from the airbag system’s electronic control unit to the inflator in the module. The ignitor located within the inflator will begin a chemical reaction that releases a harmless gas, which causes the airbag to rapidly inflate at the extreme rate of less than 1/20th of a second, (NHTSA).
Common airbag safety concerns
Airbags, like any other auto feature, require proper use and implementation. Due to the energy expended when airbags inflate, injuries can occur if passengers or drivers are sitting too close to the bag before it deploys. In the past, children, infants, and short/elderly drivers who tend to sit close to the steering wheel were injured in this way. According to the National Library of Medicine, in the US significant injuries attributed to airbags commonly affect the areas of the face, wrist, and forearm.
The risk of injury was a greater concern with the older generation of airbags as they utilized more force, (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests that thanks to changes in government requirements, today it is less common for serious airbag injuries to occur, However, regardless of proper airbag execution, it is still necessary to wear your seatbelt. As per the NHTSA “Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash.”
Essential airbag safety tips
Even the most careful drivers understand that operating a motor vehicle is a risk. Educating yourself on driving safety and how airbags work can be an important part of being a well-prepared driver:
Always wear your seat belt
According to NHTSA, even if your vehicle has airbags, you still need to buckle up! The safest way to ride in a car is to utilize your seatbelt. Your seatbelt and airbag are designed to work together, and the use of one does not replace the other. Without the proper use of your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal airbag and injured.
Maintain a safe driving position
As per the IIHS drivers should sit with their chests at least 10 inches away from the center of the steering wheel. Shorter drivers who need the seat positioned further forward may be able to achieve this position by slightly reclining the seatback. Drivers and front-seated passengers should aim to be sitting in the center of their seats, upright, with their feet on the floor. Due to the force of the deploying airbag, arms and legs should not be rested against it. Please note that many newer vehicle airbags have sensors that will take into account seat position and deploy with less force if the occupant is sitting too close.
Proper seating for children
According to the NHTSA children under 13 years old should ride in the back seat and utilize a proper child restraint system for their age/size: rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats, booster seats, or adult seat belts. Due to their small size, a child sitting in the front seat may be more vulnerable to airbag deployment. If a child is old enough to sit in the front seat, the seat should be as far back as possible, and the child should be securely buckled in a lap/shoulder belt and sitting against the seatback. It is also recommended that children in the backseat should not lean against the door area where the side airbag is stored because the initial deployment force may be harmful.
Avoid obstructions
The IIHS suggests keeping the area around your airbags free of obstructions and avoiding aftermarket dash or seat covers, which can potentially block or redirect a deploying airbag.
Maintain your vehicle
The NHTSA urges drivers to remain vigilant about airbag safety and check that their airbags are in good working order. Before driving, take time to check your airbag malfunction indicator light. Bring your vehicle in for servicing immediately if you witness an illuminated or blinking airbag light. Once deployed, an airbag cannot be reused and will need to be replaced by an authorized service technician. In 2024 the NHTSA issued a consumer alert after at least three people were killed and two were injured due to faulty aftermarket replacement airbag inflators. If you are unsure of your vehicle’s history, it is advisable to take it to a trusted mechanic and check for the presence of genuine air bag inflators, (NHTSA).
Popular airbag myths
- Myth - An airbag is a car's most important safety feature
- False, although an airbag can save a driver or passenger's life, the seat belt remains the most important safety feature in any vehicle. Airbags alone are not sufficient protection from harm during a crash. (NHTSA)
- Myth - If I have advanced airbags, I can put my kid in the front seat
- No! As per the NHTSA even with advanced airbags placing a child in the front seat comes with increased risk. It is recommended that children under 13 years old ride in the backseat using appropriate child restraint systems for their age and size.
- Myth - If I am pregnant, I should turn off/disable my airbags
- False, according to information posted by the NHTSA doctors recommend that pregnant women wear seat belts and leave airbags turned on.
- Myth - Today’s airbags deploy the same for all passengers
- No! While older airbags deployed the same for every passenger or driver, today’s advanced frontal airbags better protect drivers and front seat passengers by using sophisticated sensing systems and technology to determine whether, when, and how much to deploy, (NHTSA).
How airbag safety relates to auto insurance
By establishing safe driving practices and procedures that can potentially reduce accident-related injuries and damage, it is possible to change premiums. Enacting risk-mitigating behavior may lead to lower premium rates. Depending on the type of auto insurance coverage you have and the particulars of your crash, your airbag replacement could potentially be covered. For example, if you have comprehensive coverage and your airbags are stolen, their replacement may be covered. Some insurers may offer potential discounts for vehicles equipped with advanced airbag systems.
Airbags are one of the most important safety innovations of recent decades.
Despite many airbag myths and misconceptions, these safety tools are considered one of the top vehicle innovations of modern times. From their initial inception to the advanced frontal system, airbags have saved many lives and prevented injuries. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the mechanics and tips surrounding airbags can be an empowering way to increase your car safety knowledge.
In addition to proper education and maintenance of your vehicle, it is imperative to obtain the right auto insurance coverage for your needs.
Reach out to an Infinity Insurance Agent today at 1-855-478-3705 to discuss your coverage options and receive a free quote!