Airbags do deploy at random - but not too often
The short answer is yes, it does happen from time to time. But your chances of winning the lottery are almost greater, so I wouldn’t spend too many nights lying awake over this issue. According to studies, airbags work in 99% of cases. (Can airbags be replaced? Find out here.)
According to statistics provided by injury lawyers, properly functioning airbags have reduced driver deaths by 29% and the deaths of front-seat occupants older than 12 years old by 32%. Front airbags reduce driver fatalities in frontal crashes by 29% and fatalities of front-seat passengers age 13 and older by 32%. Side airbags that protect the head reduce a car driver’s risk of death in driver-side crashes by 37% and an SUV driver’s risk by 52%
However, accidental airbag deployment has seriously injured and/or killed people. From not deploying during a crash, or exploding and sending shrapnel throughout the cabin (the Takata airbag recall is the biggest the world has ever seen), to deploying when a pothole is hit, airbags do malfunction on the odd occasion, and manufacturers don’t always like taking responsibility.
Airbag injuries and prevention
While airbags are designed to protect passengers in the event of a collision, they can also cause injuries if they deploy accidentally or if the passenger is too close to the airbag when it deploys. Airbags can deploy randomly, or they can fail to deploy in a car crash and cause severe injuries to all car occupants.
Unintended deployment can also be dangerous as it can startle the driver or cause the occupant to lose control of the vehicle.
Is there a difference between airbags and SRS airbags? Find out here.
To prevent unintended deployment of airbags, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for the vehicle and to have any issues with the airbag system diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic. In addition, it is important to avoid rough handling or impacts to the vehicle that could trigger an unintended deployment.
Did you know?
Some systems will not deploy if the seatbelts are not fastened. Airbags are not a replacement for seatbelts and the two safety systems complement each other. Airbags help prevent your body folding over the seatbelt and making contact with the hard surfaces while the seatbelts help keep you correctly positioned for the airbag to work effectively. - Chad Luckhoff, AutoTrader
What causes random airbag deployment?
The experts say that in most cases, accidental airbag deployment is caused by system errors in the car’s safety features, tampering with the airbag system itself or extreme environmental conditions.
Many technicians believe that installing electronic aftermarket accessories such as DVD players, phone chargers or MP3 docking stations can cause changes to the electrical system and power supply of a car’s airbags, which are extremely sensitive. It is therefore advised that you rather take your car to the professionals when you want to have any electrical accessories installed. Auto electricians/mechanics are also advised to disconnect the airbag system before installing other aftermarket electrical car accessories.
Also, click here to read Can airbags be replaced?
