- The History of Car Airbags
- How Airbags Work
- Types of Car Airbags
- Advancement and Innovation
- Airbags Recall
Together with seatbelts, car airbags are credited for saving millions of lives since their invention. While earlier airbags were only supposed to reduce frontal impact during an accident, this technology has come a long way. Modern cars have different types of airbags to save the entire body from the impact of a collision.
This guide will help you learn more about car airbags, how they work and the different options you have in modern vehicles. Let’s start with a quick overview of how airbags became the essential safety feature.
The History of Car Airbags
The first-ever patent for “inflatable cushion” to protect drivers dates back to the 1950s. It is what prompted manufacturers like General Motors and Ford to work on their early prototypes of airbags. However, it was not until the 70s that this technology evolved into its modern form. That was after an engineer created a crash sensor, which is now the foundation of airbag technology we see in modern cars.
Soon after this invention, General Motors introduced their 1973 Oldsmobile Tornado as the first car with an airbag. General Motors also became the first manufacturer to offer a dual airbags option for its vehicles. In the 90s, Ford also decided to include airbags as standard safety equipment in all its cars.
In 1998, the US government mandated dual airbags for all new vehicles – other countries soon followed suit.
How do Car Airbags Work?
Airbags are activated by crash sensors that detect collision of a car moving faster than 25km/h. These sensors release nitrogen gas into the nylon airbags, which inflate and act as a cushion between the person and the car’s interior. This whole process takes around 20 to 30 milliseconds. That’s as quick as a blink. The bags deflate as soon as they come in contact with a person.
Since airbags are released so quickly, they work as supplemental safety equipment with seatbelts, which were mandated around 30 years before airbags.
Types of Car Airbags
Types of airbags are based on their location in the vehicle. Based on that location, these bags offer protection to different parts of the body in different scenarios. Here are the 4 most common types of airbags you will find in cars.
- Front airbags: These airbags deploy from the middle of the steering wheel to save the driver from frontal impact during a collision. For the passenger, front airbags deploy from the instrument panel.
- Knee airbags: These airbags deploy from beneath the steering column to protect the driver’s knees.
- Side airbags: Side airbags deploy from the doors and are very helpful in case of rollovers or side collisions.
- Curtain airbags: These airbags deploy downwards from the roof to protect passengers’ head.
Front airbags come as a standard safety feature in most cars manufactured since 1994. Other types of airbags mentioned above are usually offered as an option. It is quite common to find a car with 6 to 9 airbags these days.
Advancement and Innovation
There are variations in the design and capacity of airbags offered by different manufacturers for different models.
For instance, Mercedes-Benz ESF 2009 Experimental Safety Vehicle introduced seatbelt airbags – a seatbelt that inflates to protect passengers’ ribs and chest from the impact. Moreover, some manufacturers are working on exterior airbags to protect pedestrians as well as the car’s exterior. In 2012, Volvo V40 was the first car with this feature, but we have yet to see that catch on. Interestingly, there is Toyoda Gosei concept car that is entirely covered with airbags that turn it into a big bouncy ball on impact.
In 2006, Honda introduced airbags for motorbikes as well. Honda Goldwing is still the only motorcycle with airbags.
Car Airbags Safety
As mentioned, airbags are meant to be used as supplementary safety equipment with seatbelt. With a seatbelt, there is a risk of hitting the airbag too hard. While they are filled with air, the impact can be equal to hitting a wall at 16 km/h. It is important to make sure kids are seated away from the airbags.
In the UAE, children under the age of 10 and below 4 feet are also not allowed to sit in the front seat. Children aged between 9 to 12 years should always wear shoulder and lap belts, so they’re not seriously injured by airbag deployment. Pregnant women should also sit at a safe distance from the point of airbag deployment. Booster seats and infant seats should always be placed in the back.
Airbag Recalls
A few automakers have recalled their vehicles to replace faulty airbags on the driver’s side or passenger’s side. Therefore, when buying a car, make sure you know whether there is such a recall on that model. If you want to buy a car with better airbags and a safety rating, you can consider the following cars with 6 or more airbags:
- Buy used Mazda 3 in Dubai
- Used Toyota Camry for sale in Dubai
- Second hand Honda Civic in Dubai
- Chevrolet Malibu for sale in Dubai
This is all there is to know about airbags. Always make sure you are wearing a seatbelt to get the most out of this safety feature.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more informative posts.
Related Posts
