There have been many advancements in airbag technology since frontal airbags were introduced to the public in the 1980s. Most vehicles now come equipped with frontal airbags for the driver and passenger side. Some vehicles also have side airbags, curtain airbags and even seatbelt airbags. Although the advancements have made vehicles safer and saved thousands of lives, in some cases they can still cause injuries and even death. The frontal airbag is not intended to deploy in all car crashes, which is why it is essential that drivers and passengers always wear their seatbelts. Seatbelts are the first line of defense during a car accident. In order to prevent airbag injuries, here are some recommendations drivers and passengers should follow:
- Keep a 10-inch (or more) minimum between yourself and the location of the airbag, be it the steering wheel or dashboard
- Children under 12 years old should be seated in the back seat
- Elderly and smaller adults should be wearing their seatbelts and move their seats as far back as possible
- Pregnant women especially need to make sure they are at least 10 inches away from the wear the airbag will deploy
- If you're in an accident and your airbag deploys, make sure you get the bag replaced
- If your airbag readiness light is illuminated, get it checked out by a technician
