Air Bag Safety

Air bags were created for the safety of passengers in the event of a car crash. In most cases, airbags can save lives by lessening the effects of a crash impact. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), air bags have prevented 25,782 deaths over the past 11 years. However, in some unfortunate cases, airbags or airbag malfunctions can be major sources of injury.

Types of Air Bags

There are two main types of air bags:

• Frontal air bags: The frontal air bag inflates in moderate or severe front end crashes in order to keep passengers from hitting hard inside surfaces within the vehicle. These air bags do not offer protection during rollovers or impacts to the side or rear of the vehicle. Three generations of frontal air bags exist. The most advanced air bags were first available in 2003, and became standard in 2007. Older vehicles are equipped with older systems.
• Side-impact air bags: The side-impact air bag inflates during a crash into the side of the vehicle in order to prevent head and chest injuries. There are three types of side-impact air bags: torso, head, and head/torso combination. Side-impact air bags are not government-required. However, they are often offered as standard or optional equipment.

Dangers of Airbags

Although designed for the safety of vehicle occupants, airbags can cause serious injury. To minimize your risk:

• Wear your seatbelt. Air bags are not a substitute for a seatbelt in the event of a collision.
• Make sure young children sit in the back seat.
• Leave at least 10 inches of room between the air bag cover and your chest.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured by an airbag or an airbag malfunction, you may have grounds to file a legal claim for compensation. Contact the Rhinelander airbag malfunction lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ®, at 1-800-242-2874.