Along with proper lap and shoulder seat belts, airbags work as a safety system that gives drivers a better chance at survival during a traffic accident. However, the topic of airbags also generates some controversy, as certain cases of airbag inflation have caused severe bodily injury or even death.
So what’s a driver to do? Take a look at the following information to better understand airbag safety and how it relates to your overall driving experience.
By the Numbers: Airbags Save Lives
Did you know front airbags have been a required feature for all vehicles manufactured since 1999? Today, some vehicles offer up to 10 airbags. In addition to standard front and side airbags, there are also airbags for knees and over your head.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), newer vehicles with airbags reduce driver deaths in frontal crashes by 29%. For passengers over the age of 13, it's 32%. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) calculates that airbags have saved 50,457 lives in the two decades since manufacturers began installing them as standard equipment.
The one airbag that the IIHS has found to provide little benefit is knee airbags. After analyzing 400 front crash tests, researchers found that knee airbags reduce injuries by just half a percent. Another study found a reduction in some types of leg injuries but not others.
Body Position Is Key for Airbag Safety
When an airbag deploys, it creates an impact of its own. If you are not sitting in the proper position and wearing a seatbelt, you could be at risk for serious head injuries.
To minimize your risk and reap the benefits of having the airbag, the NHTSA recommends a 10-inch minimum space between your chest and the center of the steering wheel. Passengers also need 10 inches of space between their bodies and the dashboard.
You may have to adjust your steering wheel for optimal safety. Check your car's owner manual and experiment with different combinations of steering wheel and seat positions. It’s best if the airbag deflates toward the broad expanse of your chest rather than the small area of your face. This protects the core of your body while still cushioning your head, minimizing your risk of serious injury.
Kids on Board? Keep Them in the Backseat
Most frontal airbags are designed to protect adult drivers and passengers. But when it comes to kids, airbags can be dangerous or even deadly. For their protection, children under the age of 13 should sit in the back seat. Remember to always use an appropriate car seat, booster seat, and seatbelt for their size and age.
Seating a child in the back is extremely important, even if you are driving a short distance. We recently conducted a survey that found one in four parents don’t follow best seating practices when driving one mile or less. This is particularly troubling given that most accidents happen close to home. For your child's safety, always use proper seatbelts and car seats — and keep them in the back.
A Note About Airbag On/Off Switches
Did you know that you can turn off the airbag in your car? Though the benefits of airbags outweigh the risks, there are a few cases where it may make sense. If you’re short and have trouble reaching the pedals when sitting 10 inches from the steering wheel, or if you’re pregnant and cannot keep space between your abdomen and the steering wheel, turning your airbag off may make sense. Check your driver’s manual for more information.
Airbags certainly do more good than harm. It’s just a matter of being mindful of how you use them and what you can do to minimize your risk of injury when they deploy during an accident. The more informed you are about airbags, the safer you’ll be down the road on your long journey as a seasoned driver!
Looking for more ways to stay safe behind the wheel? Check out the IDriveSafely.com Driving Resource Center, or explore our online driver's ed courses for teen and adult drivers.
Updated 12/7/22
