If you’ve been in a car accident and had your airbags go off, you probably felt very grateful for the invention. Automobile airbags have been protecting passengers from sustaining severe impact injuries since the 1950s, and the technology has only improved over time. To make sure you know how to keep these life-saving car features fully functional, take a look at the overview below.

How Do Airbags Work?

Airbags are placed at the front and sides of a vehicle’s front seats. For airbags to deploy, the vehicle must be in a car accident that involves hitting something solid. Each vehicle manufacturer has different parameters for deployment, but most will go off if the car hits something substantial when driving between 8 and 14 mph. 

When a car senses a collision through its accelerometer, it alerts the bags to inflate. A spark from an igniter creates a chemical reaction that makes gas inflate the front and side airbags in a fraction of a second. 

Airbags have been proven to be successful in mitigating injuries. According to one major report that studied road traffic accidents over eight years, airbags reduced fatalities by 24 to 25 percent in head-on collisions and by 16 percent in car accidents of all kinds.

How Can I Make Sure My Airbags Are Working Effectively?

While airbags do not expire, have a professional mechanic inspect them at least every ten years to make sure they are still intact and will go off in the event of a car accident. Also, sometimes specific airbags are recalled due to premature explosions or other issues. Make sure you subscribe to recall information from your manufacturer to ensure you’re aware of these types of issues.

When driving, aim the steering wheel—and, subsequently, the airbag—at your chest, not other areas of your body. You should also be seated at least 10 inches away. When in the passenger seat, sit upright—never putting your feet on the dash.

If you’ve recently been in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, get in touch with the attorneys at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. With more than 50 years of combined experience, the seasoned attorneys in this law office know how to fight for the rights of accident victims and get the compensation they deserve for any sustained injuries. Visit their website to learn more about the Sugar Land, TX, firm, or call (281) 491-5000 to set up a consultation.