knäairbags

Knäairbags, or knee airbags, are vehicle safety devices designed to protect the knees and lower legs in frontal crashes. They are placed beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side and, in many models, on the front passenger side, where an inflated cushion supports the legs and helps control their movement during impact.

When a frontal collision occurs, an inflator rapidly fills the knee airbag with gas. The resulting cushion reduces the risk of knee and leg injuries, helps maintain proper seating position, and can decrease the forward load on the torso. By supporting the lower body, knee airbags also help keep occupants properly positioned for the seat belt and front airbags, potentially reducing chest injury and submarine-ing under the belt.

Knee airbags operate as part of an integrated restraint system that includes seat belts and front airbags. They are typically deployed in moderate to severe frontal crashes and are designed to activate in anticipation of collision forces. They are not a substitute for airbags but rather a complementary protection feature.

Adoption has grown in modern vehicles, with many manufacturers offering knee airbags as standard or optional equipment in later models. Effectiveness depends on the occupant’s size and seating position; very small children, or occupants seated unusually close to the dashboard, may experience different risk profiles. If a knee airbag deploys, the airbag unit generally requires replacement and inspection as part of post-crash service.