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98. Airbag

An airbag is a vehicle safety device that rapidly inflates during certain collisions to help reduce the risk of an occupant striking the steering wheel, dashboard, doors or other parts of the vehicle interior. Vehicles may have frontal, side, curtain or other types of airbags.

Airbags form part of a supplemental restraint system (SRS) and are designed to work together with seat belts rather than replace them. Occupants should sit correctly, wear their seat belts and follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions concerning airbags and child-restraint systems.

Car crash test at 40 km/h with different safety measures: safety belt and airbag (front), safety belt only (back, right) and no safety measures (back, left).
Wikimedia.org • Transport For NSW • CC BY-SA
What is an airbag?

An airbag is an inflatable vehicle safety device designed to help protect occupants during certain types of collision.

How does an airbag work?

Sensors detect collision conditions and, when the system determines that deployment is required, the airbag inflates extremely quickly to provide additional protection between the occupant and parts of the vehicle interior.

Does an airbag replace a seat belt?

No. Airbags are supplemental restraints and are designed to work together with seat belts. Occupants should always wear their seat belts where required.

What types of airbags can a car have?

Vehicles may have front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, knee airbags and other specialised airbags. The number and location depend on the vehicle design.

Does an airbag deploy in every collision?

No. Airbag systems are designed to deploy only when sensors detect collision conditions for which deployment is intended. Different airbags may deploy in different types of crashes.

Can an airbag be dangerous to a rear-facing child seat?

Yes. A rear-facing child restraint must not be placed in front of an active frontal passenger airbag because deployment can cause severe injury. The airbag must be deactivated where the vehicle and local rules permit such installation.

Can you switch off a passenger airbag?

Some vehicles allow the front passenger airbag to be deactivated, particularly when a rear-facing child restraint must be installed there. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions carefully.

What does the airbag warning light mean?

An illuminated airbag or SRS warning light can indicate a fault in the restraint system. The system should be checked and repaired according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

Can an airbag be reused after it deploys?

No. A deployed airbag is normally a single-use component and must be replaced together with any other affected restraint-system components before the system can function correctly again.

Should you sit close to an airbag?

Occupants should use a normal, correctly adjusted seating position and avoid placing themselves unnecessarily close to the airbag cover. Follow the seating and steering-wheel adjustment guidance provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

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