Airbags are automotive safety devices designed to protect occupants in a vehicle during a collision. They primarily serve to mitigate the risk of injury or reduce the severity of injuries sustained in certain types of crashes. Airbags help protect you from the following:

1. Frontal Collisions: Frontal airbags are the most common type and are designed to deploy in head-on or front-end collisions. They help cushion the impact and protect the driver and front-seat passenger from hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.
2. Side-Impact Collisions: Some vehicles are equipped with side-impact airbags, which are designed to deploy in the event of a side collision. These airbags help protect the chest, head, and torso of occupants in the front and rear seats from intruding objects or the impact of the other vehicle.
3. Rollover Accidents: In some vehicles, side curtain airbags deploy to protect occupants in the event of a rollover accident. These airbags create a protective curtain along the side windows to prevent occupants from being ejected or injured during the rollover.
4. T-bone Collisions: Side-impact airbags also offer protection in T-bone or broadside collisions, where the front or rear of one vehicle strikes the side of another. They help absorb and distribute the force of the impact.
5. Secondary Impact: In certain situations, airbags may deploy in multiple stages or in response to secondary impacts within a collision. This can provide additional protection as the crash unfolds.

It’s important to note that airbags are most effective when used in conjunction with seat belts. They are part of a vehicle’s overall safety system and are designed to work together to reduce the risk of injury in accidents. Additionally, airbags are not designed to protect against all types of accidents, such as rear-end collisions or accidents involving stationary objects, so safe driving practices and seat belt usage remain crucial for overall safety.

When an airbag deploys in a vehicle, it inflates rapidly to help protect the occupants during a collision. Here’s what happens when an airbag hits you:

1. Deployment: Airbags are designed to deploy within milliseconds of a severe collision. The deployment is triggered by sensors in the vehicle that detect the force of the impact. Once activated, the airbag’s inflation system rapidly fills the airbag cushion with gas (typically from a chemical reaction involving sodium azide or a similar compound).
2. Inflation: The airbag inflates very quickly, often reaching full inflation within 20 to 30 milliseconds. This rapid inflation is designed to provide a cushioning effect and reduce the force of impact between the occupant and the vehicle’s interior components.
3. Cushioning Effect: When the airbag inflates, it creates a soft barrier between the occupant and the hard surfaces of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. This cushioning effect helps to prevent direct contact between the occupant and these rigid components, reducing the risk of injury.
4. Controlled Deflation: After inflation, the airbag begins to deflate immediately to allow the occupant to move away from it and regain normal vision and mobility. The deflation is typically quite rapid but still controlled to minimize the risk of injury from the airbag itself.
5. Occupant Interaction: When the airbag deploys, it pushes the occupant slightly backward and away from the point of impact. This movement can help reduce the risk of injury by spreading the deceleration forces more evenly across the body.
6. Protection: Overall, the purpose of the airbag is to protect the occupants from severe head, neck, and upper body injuries that can result from striking hard interior surfaces during a collision.

It’s important to note that while airbags are crucial safety features, they can also cause injuries in some cases, particularly if the occupant is not properly positioned or if they are too close to the airbag at the time of deployment. Therefore, it is essential for occupants to wear seat belts, maintain a safe seating position with a minimum distance from the airbag, and follow proper safety guidelines to maximize the effectiveness of airbags while minimizing the risk of injury.