Airbags

What You Need to Know About Airbags and Vehicle Safety in Connecticut

Airbags are vital vehicle safety devices designed to inflate and deflate during a collision to protect drivers and passengers from severe injuries. Modern vehicles may contain up to 10 airbag modules, located in areas such as the steering wheel, passenger-side dash, and even side panels.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags saved 50,457 lives between 1987 and 2017. While airbags significantly reduce the risk of injury during a crash, it’s important to understand how they work, their benefits, and how to minimize the risk of airbag-related injuries.

How Airbags Work

Airbags are equipped with sensors that detect the vehicle’s speed and deceleration during a collision. When the vehicle decelerates rapidly, as in an accident, the airbag system triggers a chemical reaction to release gas and inflate the nylon bag hidden in the steering wheel, dashboard, or side panels.

The inflation process happens in 1/20 of a second, cushioning the impact and reducing the likelihood of severe injuries to the head or upper body. Side airbags deploy even faster due to the closer proximity between passengers and the striking object.

Once a person’s head or upper body contacts the airbag, it deflates immediately to prevent a “rebound effect,” which could cause whiplash or additional injuries. However, airbags cannot be reused after deployment and must be replaced by an authorized technician.

The Benefits of Vehicle Airbags

Both frontal and side airbags are designed to provide protection in moderate to severe crashes. When used in conjunction with seatbelts, airbags significantly reduce the risk of injury or death by preventing a person’s head or body from colliding with hard surfaces inside the vehicle.

• Frontal airbags became standard in all passenger cars in 1998 and in SUVs, trucks, and vans by 1999.
• Side airbags are now standard or optional in many vehicles, offering additional protection in side-impact collisions.

While airbags are effective in saving lives, they are not a replacement for seatbelts. Maximum safety is achieved when seatbelts and airbags are used together.

Minimizing Airbag-Related Injuries

Although airbags are lifesaving devices, improper seating positions or failure to wear a seatbelt can lead to airbag-related injuries. The NHTSA recommends maintaining at least 10 inches between the airbag cover (in the steering wheel or dashboard) and the driver or passenger.

To reduce the risk of injury:

• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Keep your seat as far back as possible while maintaining control of the vehicle.
• Sit upright with your back against the seat and avoid leaning forward.

Modern airbags are more advanced, equipped with sensors that adjust deployment speed and intensity based on the severity of the crash. However, proper seating and seatbelt use remain critical to your safety.

When Airbags Malfunction

While airbags have saved countless lives, they are not infallible. Defective or counterfeit airbags can fail to deploy properly or at all, leaving drivers and passengers vulnerable to severe injuries. In these cases, the manufacturer or vehicle owner may be held liable for negligence.

Examples of airbag-related issues include:

• Failure to deploy during a crash
• Deploying unnecessarily in minor accidents
• Counterfeit or improperly installed airbags
• Airbags deploying with excessive force, causing injuries

Injured in a Car Accident? Bert McDowell Injury Law Can Help

Even with the protection of airbags, car accidents can result in devastating injuries. If you’ve been injured in a vehicle collision that was not your fault—whether due to a negligent driver or defective safety equipment—you deserve compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we specialize in helping accident victims in Connecticut fight for their rights. Our experienced legal team will:

• Investigate the cause of your accident, including any potential defects in airbags or other safety systems.
• Work with experts to build a strong case for compensation.
• Negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, take your case to court to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a car accident in Connecticut, don’t face the legal process alone. Let Bert McDowell Injury Law advocate for you and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (475) 231-3274 for a FREE consultation. We’re here to help you every step of the way so you can focus on your recovery.