We all know the basics of what airbags are and the purpose that they serve, but today we’re going to break it down a little bit further.
Airbags…What Are They?
You might think that the answer here is pretty simple and obvious, however, there’s a bit more to them than you’d think. Airbags are a safety feature embedded in a vehicle that is designed to aid in protecting occupants’ safety in a vehicle collision. Although airbags can be lifesaving it’s important that drivers and passengers alike understand how they work to ensure optimal safety. Airbags have been around since the 1950s and since then there have been major improvements to their overall functionality and safety capabilities.
Vehicle speed, brake pressure, and the use of seatbelts are all deciding factors in an airbag’s deployment speed and force. The components that make up an airbag include sensors, a nylon bag, and an inflator compromised of substances like sodium azide. If and when the airbag is activated, nitrogen gas is produced which results in the nylon bag being inflated for proper use. When an accident occurs, all of this typically happens in a matter of milliseconds. The impact and velocity at which airbags deploy is significant and is precisely why it is important to always wear a seatbelt to ensure that the airbag can do its proper job when deployed without causing further harm to passengers.
Where Are They Located?
As a result of an accident, there at least 6 airbags that will deploy. Typically in newer vehicles, you can even find up to eight! The six standard airbags are located in the:
- Steering wheel
- Dash in front of the passenger seat
- One of each side of the front seats
- One curtain airbag on each side of the vehicle over the windows
Additional airbags that some vehicles may have can be found under the dash for the knees, front cushions, and at the side of the rear seats.
It’s important to note that there are certain requirements for sitting in the front seat:
- It is prohibited to place an infant in the front seat of a vehicle.
- No child under the age of 13 you should be sitting in the front seat.
- Manufacturers recommend that the adult or teen sitting in the passenger seat is at least 5 feet tall and roughly 150 lbs. This is how airbags were designed as the most effective.
Post Accident
At the end of the day, accidents do happen…and when they do it’s paramount that your airbags deploy. Airbags will typically only deploy in the cases of a moderate to severe crash. Chances are your minor fender bender won’t result in the airbags deploying. If and when your airbags deploy you’re going to want to take the appropriate actions after the accident, including checking if everyone in the vehicle is okay and calling the authorities immediately. Assuming that there is damage to your vehicle, you’re going to want to ensure that you and any passengers in the vehicle with you are safe. Once you’ve filed a claim with SGI and received your free estimate, we’ll get to work on bringing your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition.
Due to their vital use, airbags only deploy once. Once you’ve filed a claim with SGI and received your free estimate, we’ll get to work on bringing your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. This includes but is not limited to replacing your used airbags after a crash, of course, meeting industry standards, and ensuring that you get back on the road safely.
Stay Safe
The last thing that anyone wants is an accident, so it’s important that you are utilizing all your vehicle’s features and practicing safe driving! Know that if and when an accident occurs, UCC has got your back.
For any more questions about our process, or to book a free estimate, call us at (306) 525-6000 or visit us at one of our 3 convenient locations.
