About Airbags

Over the decades, almost since the automotive era began, rules and regulations beyond counting have been added to the list of things a car, or you the driver, must have, do and be aware of. Some, it might be argued, are trivial and pointless but much, especially on our increasingly congested and over-subscribed roads, are necessary.

For example in the living memory of some older folk, the resistance to car seat belts was strong but the pressure told and now ‘clunk/click, every trip’ has become second nature to all UK drivers. More to the point, seat belts have saved very many lives: The same goes for airbags.

First appearing on cars in 1953, these airbags are really the unsung heroes of modern motoring; tucked away, out of sight and mind: Until there’s an accident. Countless lives have been saved with these slightly scary devices. The unit consists of an airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module and an impact sensor.

Like seat belts, the function of airbags is also part of the annual MOT test. Your car will have a warning light on the dash to advise of any airbag fault. If the light goes out on ignition all is well; if it stays on then your car needs to go to your local car servicing garage (a good one will also do be an approved MOT testing station) for a diagnostic check. A trained technician will be able to retrieve the error code from the car's computer and then organise a repair.

The Collision

When an accident suddenly occurs (there’s never any pre-planning) an airbag inflates in a matter of milliseconds cushioning an individual’s head and upper body to prevent the person from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, windscreen or other part of a car's interior.

Today’s motors (not including older classic cars) are all fitted with airbags that have sensors that instantly detect a collision. Look out for the letters SRS (supplemental Restraint System) inside the car, on the steering wheel, dashboard and, or more expensive models, there might be side, window-level curtain or lower level knee airbags too; even inflatable seatbelts.

In the instance of a crash, a chemical reaction takes place that inflates the airbag instantly. It

then deflates rapidly via holes in the back of the ‘balloon’. The cushioning effect only lasts milliseconds but it is enough to prevent serious injury. Those chemicals could conceivably cause minor burns, but that’s a small price to pay for a life-saving device.

So We Don’t Need To Use Seat Belts Any More Then?

Nice try: Airbags can only be deployed safely if the person is wearing a seatbelt. That’s a legal requirement too. A modern seat belt may help stop the torso from striking the steering wheel or dashboard, but it does not protect the head. The airbag prevents the head from striking hard areas of the car. Both will prevent the worse case scenario; going through the windscreen.

If the seatbelt is not being worn, the person will move forward too quickly, striking the airbags at full force which can itself lead to injury. The restraining action of the belt means the head will be cushioned greatly reducing the chance of serious injury. Always wear your seat belts and if any problems occur then report to your chosen servicing centre for repair or replacement. Seat belts are also part of the MOT test.

What If The Airbag Warning Light Stays On?

The appearance of the airbag warning light can have several causes. It could be due to a bad internal electrical contact or poor performance from an ageing battery which could induce other problems too, not least of which is starting. It might be an airbag computer or sensor fault. The issue might be tracked back to a fault with the pre-tensioner seat belt. Whatever the cause a warning light is a warning light and needs to be acted upon. When it’s time for the annual car service or interim check before a long trip, ask your garage professional to check all is well with the belts and airbags.

The Proof

Studies have shown that airbags are very effective when it comes to reducing fatalities and injuries in crashes. A major USA study of collisions between 1985 and 1993 (and remember things have moved on greatly since then), found that airbags reduced fatalities by 24% in frontal crashes and 16% in all types of crashes. This doesn’t take into account the effect or side or curtain airbags too.

Depending upon age, a modern cars is bristling with safety aids; anti-lock brakes, sensors, cameras and the like are all deployed to protect us, making cars as safe as they can be from human error. That’s why it is vital that a car is regularly checked and examined through servicing and the MOT test to ensure it remains roadworthy and safe to drive. Road safety isn’t optional.