Turvapadja

Turvapadja, known in English as an airbag, is a vehicle safety device. It is a supplementary restraint system designed to inflate rapidly during a collision, cushioning the occupants and reducing the severity of injuries. Turvapadjas are typically made of a flexible nylon fabric bag that is folded tightly inside the steering wheel, dashboard, seats, or doors. Sensors in the vehicle detect sudden deceleration characteristic of a crash. This triggers an inflator, which uses a chemical propellant, such as sodium azide, to produce a large volume of nitrogen gas. The gas inflates the bag in milliseconds, creating a protective cushion between the occupant and the vehicle's interior. Once inflated, the turvapadja quickly deflates through small vents, allowing occupants to regain mobility and exit the vehicle. Modern vehicles often feature multiple turvapadjas, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags, to provide comprehensive protection. While highly effective in reducing fatalities and serious injuries, turvapadjas can also cause minor injuries such as abrasions or bruising, particularly if occupants are too close to the bag when it deploys or are not wearing seatbelts.