What Is Considered a Minor Automobile Crash?

Discussion Airbags are supplemental (not primary) safety devices in motor vehicles that are intended to prevent injuries mainly to the head, neck, and torso. They are designed to provide the greatest protection when the occupant is seated properly and wearing a seat belt properly. Front airbags are designed to inflate within 50 milliseconds of impact in a moderate to severe crash. They usually will deploy for belted occupants at speeds of 16 miles/hour (mph) or more, but with newer sensors and algorithms will deploy at lower speeds if they detect unbelted occupants (i.e. 10-12 mph). Forward airbags will also deploy for impacts in other vehicle locations if there is sufficient forward motion of the occupant detected. In the US front airbags have been required since the 1999 model year. Side airbags are designed to inflate for side impacts or if parts of the vehicle begin to intrude in the passenger compartment. Head protection is considered of primary importance, but other airbags offer more pelvis or torso protection. As there is a smaller space between the vehicle’s side and the occupant, the airbags need to deploy quicker usually within 10-20 milliseconds of impact. Side airbags are not necessarily required in the US but are often used to meet the standards for head and torso protection required for all occupants. Airbags may deploy from a variety of locations depending on the model. Steering wheel, passenger front panel, ceiling, doors, and seat backs are common l...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news