Air Bags 101

People who are riding in a car have the same momentum as the car; but this will change when people get into car accidents. When a car accident occurs, the car and passenger's momentum is different. The car's momentum stops but the passenger's momentum hasn't stopped.

This is why there are airbags; they help stop the passenger's momentum safely. The air bag has very little time to deploy to prevent drivers and passengers from being seriously injured.

There are a few different elements to the air bag. You have the bag, the sensor, and the inflation system. The bag is composed of nylon and is contained in the steering wheel, dashboard, door, or seat. The sensor lets the bag know when to inflate. This happens when there is an accident that is equal to hitting a brick wall at 10 or 15 miles an hour. The bag inflates when the different chemicals inside react to nitrogen gas that is released. The bag will produce a large amount of gas to inflate it; this can happen at speeds of 200 mph. Then the gas is released through tiny holes on the bag and you are able to move freely. Usually, there is some kind of talc powder or cornstarch to allow the bag to move well.

For an air bag to have the least amount of damage on the driver, he/she should be 10 inches from the steering wheel. Young children are more susceptible to air bag injuries and should not ride in the front seat. There have been rules by the government to allow air bag producers to reduce the power of inflation for the safety of children.

Many car makers are now including side airbags as a part of air bag standards in vehicles. This helps improve injuries in side-impact crashes. There will always be a great need for new technology and safety in the air bag industry as long as car accident injuries still occur. Make sure the vehicle you purchase has a high amount of safety features.