airbags

An airbag is a safety device in motor vehicles that inflates rapidly to cushion occupants during a crash, reducing contact with hard surfaces. Airbags work in concert with seat belts and vehicle sensors to deploy only when a collision exceeds a programmed threshold.

Most airbags are gas-filled cushions housed in panels near the steering wheel, dashboard, doors, or roof. When impact sensors detect a collision, an inflator releases gas (often from a pyrotechnic or compressed-gas device), filling the bag within milliseconds. The bag then deflates as the occupant comes to rest.

Common types include frontal airbags for drivers and front passengers; side airbags integrated into seats or panels; curtain airbags along the roof for head protection; knee airbags near the lower dashboard. Newer systems add rear-seat and pedestrian airbags to expand coverage and protection.

History and effectiveness: Airbags became widely adopted in the late 20th century and are now standard in most new cars in many regions. Studies indicate that airbags reduce the risk of fatal injury in crashes, particularly when used with seat belts.

Safety considerations: Airbags are designed to work with seat belts. They can cause injuries if occupants are unrestrained, positioned too close to the bag, or seated incorrectly. Children should ride in rear seats and use appropriate restraints; airbags may pose risks for certain medical conditions or in specific crash configurations.

Limitations and developments: Airbags do not prevent crashes and may not deploy correctly in all scenarios. Maintenance and sensor integrity are important. Current research focuses on multi-stage inflators, adaptive inflation, and smarter side and knee airbag systems to improve effectiveness and safety.