For many French people, the holidays are coming to an end. It’s time to hit the road back home. This is therefore an opportunity to remind us of the interest of the airbag.
Yes, you know those seat cushions that cars have that inflate in a crash. Well, they are housed in the steering wheel, in the dashboard, on the sides but also for example under the steering column to protect the knees. They have been shown to reduce the death toll by 47% in car accidents.
And the airbag also helps reduce the number of injuries ?
Yes, of course, the number of serious injuries drops by 75% thanks to the triggering of these safety pads. But, be careful, on one condition: you must wear your seat belt. It’s really the belt-airbag duo that works. No question of going without a seat belt because you have an airbag.
Now, what are the situations where you have to deactivate the airbag?
Two situations: you undoubtedly know it, but it should be remembered that when a baby seat, in the form of a shell – you know those for infants – is installed on the rear-facing passenger seat, the airbag must absolutely be deactivated. Otherwise, it may propel baby against the back of the seat. A less well-known situation, however, is for drivers under 1.50m or over 1.92m. Their size is not compatible with the airbag. Small people have their heads too close to the steering wheel.
And for pregnant women, is this a problem?
Studies are lacking on the subject. Cases of uterine rupture could have been caused by the triggering of an airbag but it seems that these are isolated cases. Protecting the pad is therefore recommended for pregnant women.
Now we hear that the airbag can also be the cause of injuries. What is it really?
This is true, but in the vast majority of cases (96%), these are minor injuries. The airbag can cause burns to the forearms, abrasions to the face in people who wear glasses, or damage to the eardrum from the detonation. It can also cause eye damage, they exist but they are considerably reduced if you wear your seat belt.
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