Air Bags And Car Crashes

An airbag is a safety device used in automobiles. Previously, people around the world relied on the safety provided by seat belts. Car manufacturers have advanced to the new technology of air bags. Air bags provide drivers and passengers with another safety measure in the event of a crash. The first air bag was installed in 1980. Studies reveal that the risk of dying in an auto crash has been reduced by nearly 30 percent since the inclusion of air bags.

The main purpose of an air bag is to protect passengers in the automobile in case of a crash. These air bags help to keep damage to a minimum. Air bags are gas-inflated cushions that are rapidly discharged from hidden compartments. These compartments are hidden in steering columns, dash boards, roof rails, doors and seats. The air bags hyper-inflate to protect the driver and passengers. There are three parts to the air bag -- the bag, the crash sensors and the inflators. It is made of a thin nylon material. The vehicles may also have side panel air bags or seat air bags installed. The crash sensors send the signal to the air bag, when a serious crash occurs. The inflators ignite a solid propellant that burns quickly. It creates a large volume of gas to inflate the bag. This gas is harmless and the bags inflate instantly.

Air bags help saving human lives, but they do not eliminate the need of seat belts. It is recommended that people use these safety devices while driving. The number of auto accidents is growing on account of non-adherence to the safety measures. It is important to be aware of the safety devices fitted in the vehicle, before making a purchase.

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