Airbags: Safety Shields with Important Considerations

Airbags, when introduced, sparked debate about their deployment speed. While prioritizing unbelted occupant safety, the rapid deployment can pose risks for smaller individuals and those sitting close to the airbag, particularly:

Infants and children: They should always be seated in the back of vehicles equipped with airbags.
Adults under 5’5″: Sitting too close to the airbag, even as a driver or passenger, can be dangerous upon inflation.

Aging considerations: As we age, we naturally become smaller and more fragile. Maintaining a minimum 10-inch distance between you and the airbag becomes even more crucial with age. If this is not possible, reclining the seat as far back as possible is recommended.

Steering wheel grip: The American Automobile Association (AAA) suggests modifying your grip on the steering wheel in air-equipped cars. They recommend nine and three o’clock or even eight and four o’clock positions instead of the traditional ten and two, to allow space for airbag deployment.

Airbag deactivation:

Disabling airbags is generally discouraged due to safety concerns.
Federal law prohibits dealerships and repair shops from disabling airbags.
Exceptions: Permission for deactivation may be granted in specific cases by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Newer vehicles: Some may offer a passenger-side airbag on-off switch.

Airbag effectiveness:

Research shows airbags reduce fatalities by 11% overall.
When used with seat belts, they offer the most effective protection for vehicle occupants.
Airbags are not a replacement for seat belts:
They may not deploy in all crashes.
They offer no protection in side or rear collisions.

Always wear your seat belt, regardless of having airbags in your car.