Õhukotid

Õhukotid, scientifically known as airbags, are a crucial safety feature in modern vehicles. Their primary purpose is to supplement the seatbelt system in the event of a collision, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury or fatality. When a vehicle's sensors detect a sudden deceleration indicative of a crash, an electronic control unit triggers a rapid deployment mechanism. This mechanism ignites a small propellant charge, which produces a large volume of gas, inflating the fabric bag almost instantaneously. The inflated bag then cushions the occupant, absorbing impact energy and preventing their head and torso from colliding with the vehicle's interior components, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or side pillars.

The development of airbag technology began in the mid-20th century, with the first commercial applications appearing in the 1970s. Early systems were often mechanical, but advancements in electronics and sensor technology have led to the sophisticated, multi-stage airbags found today. Modern vehicles typically feature a variety of airbags, including frontal airbags for the driver and front passenger, side-impact airbags to protect occupants from lateral forces, and curtain airbags that deploy along the window line to prevent head injuries. Some vehicles also incorporate knee airbags and even pedestrian-detection airbags. The effectiveness of airbags is well-documented, with numerous studies confirming their life-saving capabilities when used in conjunction with seatbelts.