Car safety technology has come a long way, and one of the most common features in modern vehicles is the airbag. In Salt Lake City, Utah, and across the nation, airbags are meant to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a crash.
But while these devices have undoubtedly saved many lives, they also carry risks and can cause injury in certain situations. It is essential to understand both the benefits and the risks of airbags so you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.
This article explores the dual nature of airbags—their life-saving design contrasted with the potential for serious harm—to ensure drivers are fully informed about this crucial safety technology.
What Airbags Are and How They Work
Airbags are designed to inflate when a crash happens. Inside the steering wheel, dashboard or side panels of a car, sensors detect a collision and trigger a tiny explosion of gas. This inflates a fabric bag within a fraction of a second, cushioning occupants from hitting hard surfaces such as the steering wheel, windshield, or door.
This quick reaction is key to why airbags help reduce the severity of injuries in many crashes. It is worth knowing how this system works to better understand where things can go wrong.
How Can an Airbag Malfunction?
Although airbags are designed to prevent injury in the event of a crash, they do not always do so perfectly. Sometimes the sensors that trigger the airbags misjudge the impact. The airbag may deploy when it should not, or fail to deploy when it should. In other cases, the airbag deploys too late, too early, or with too much force.
Malfunctions can transform a safety device into a source of injury. One prominent example is the recall of certain airbags that used defective inflators, which could explode and send metal fragments into the cabin. When an airbag malfunctions, the risk of serious harm increases.
Types of Injuries From Airbag Deployment
While airbags are designed to save lives, their powerful, rapid deployment can unfortunately lead to a variety of serious injuries.
Common injuries include:
- Facial and head injuries: The bag can hit the face or head with great speed, causing cuts, fractures, or trauma to the jaw and skull.
- Neck and spine injuries: The impact of rapid airbag deployment can cause whiplash or spinal stress, especially if the occupant was out of position.
- Chest, rib, and internal injuries: The chest may be pressed against the bag or steering wheel, resulting in broken ribs or internal organ damage.
- Burns and chemical exposure: The gases used to inflate the airbag can be hot and may contain chemicals that irritate skin or lungs. The fabric itself may cause abrasions.
- Eye, ear, and hearing damage: The force and sound of deployment can damage ears and eyes, especially if close to the deployment point.
It is essential to seek medical attention after a crash, particularly if the airbag has deployed. Some injuries may not become apparent until later and may not exhibit many immediate symptoms.
Reducing Risk: Practical Safety Tips
Airbags are designed to protect, but the potential for malfunction or injury due to rapid deployment means drivers must take proactive steps to minimize their risk.
- Position the seat and wheel: Avoid leaning forward, keeping your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock.
- Children in the back seat: Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag; follow Utah child-passenger rules and manufacturer guidance.
- Keep up with recalls: Check your VIN periodically and complete recall repairs promptly.
- Replace deployed airbags and inspect sensors: Do not rely on aftermarket or counterfeit inflators.
By taking these simple yet crucial precautions, you can maximize the protective benefits of your vehicle’s airbags while significantly reducing the potential for deployment-related injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Salt Lake City Car Accident Lawyer from McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers Today
Airbags are a remarkable piece of safety technology. They save lives and reduce serious injuries in many crashes. At the same time, they are not without risk. Recognising the risks, staying proactive about car safety, and knowing your legal rights after a crash gives you the best chance of achieving the outcome you deserve.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers understands the dual nature of airbag safety. Our firm believes that by staying informed and prepared, you protect yourself and your family on Utah roads. While they are designed to protect, a malfunction or improper deployment can result in unexpected and serious injuries.
If you’ve been injured, contact your nearest McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in Austin, TX, and Salt Lake City, UT.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
