Air Bags | NHTSA (2024)

FAQs

How many airbags are enough? ›

While dual-front airbags have become a standard requirement, some vehicles are equipped with additional side and curtain airbags, extending protection to rear seat occupants. It's advisable to check the specific airbag configuration of a vehicle before purchase to ensure comprehensive safety for all passengers.

It has been 50 years since the introduction of the airbag, and on this anniversary there is a remarkable story of safety to tell. The stats are astounding: Frontal airbags have saved over 50,000 lives in the U.S. alone, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To avoid an air-bag-related injury, make sure you are properly seated and remember—air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them.

Overview. Approximately 67 million Takata air bags (priority groups 1-12) have been recalled because these air bags can explode when deployed, causing serious injury or even death. All vehicle owners should: Check for Recalls using your vehicle identification number (VIN).

It's not illegal to trade in a car with no airbags since the dealer can easily install them.

It's just that, in the end, airbag counting isn't the most useful way to gauge safety. A car with six or eight airbags might protect every part of every occupant just as thoroughly as a car with 10. One long head-protecting side airbag can offer as much coverage for three rows of seats as three separate airbags.

A simple rule to remember is the 5-10-20 Rule which depicts the clearance from a deployed or undeployed airbag. 5 inch clearance from side impact airbags, 10 inch clearance from a steering column airbag and 20 inch clearance from a passenger side dashboard airbag.

I came to think of it because most of the cars on the road only have this safety configuration at that time. These are the cars that don't have stability control, reverse camera, nor ADAS.

Many automakers such as Mercedes-Benz placed airbag replacement labels on all vehicles sold in the U.S. through 2002. Those labels called for airbags to be replaced after 15 years. But after much research, automakers have concluded that airbags produced after 1992 will last the lifetime of the vehicle.

According to the study: FARS coded airbags as not deployed for 18% of front occupants. NASS/CDS reported 9% non-deployment among front occupants killed.

Do airbags deploy at 200 mph? ›

Air bags do not deploy in the billowing cloud-like manner as seen in certain television advertisem*nts. As mentioned above, air bags explode at speeds of 200 MPH for 12 to 18 inches. This is a violent reaction, necessary to have the bag deployed and beginning to slowly deflate when the occupant contacts the bag.

Brain injuries: When an airbag deploys, the head and face will get the majority of the impact. This can cause concussions, brain swelling, and bruising, and even the loss of consciousness. Eye injuries: If the face is hit, the eyes are also at risk to receive the impact of an inflating airbag.

Lives saved by airbags

NHTSA estimates that the combination of an airbag plus a lap and shoulder belt reduces the risk of death in frontal crashes by 61%, compared with a 50% reduction for belts alone and a 34% reduction for airbags alone.

Mid-Mountain has the capability to custom produce airbags and ballistic products by utilizing a range of specialty fabrics including Kevlar®, nylon, Nomex®, carbon, and aramid blends.

In June 2017, Takata filed for bankruptcy. It was acquired by Key Safety Systems.

Models flagged as being at an extreme risk are certain 2001 to 2003 Honda and Acura models containing so-called “alpha” airbags, and the 2006 Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series pickup trucks. Also included are the 1999 BMW 323i and 328i.

Your vehicle may be affected.

Recently, vehicles from 19 different automakers were recalled to replace driver and passenger airbags made by auto parts supplier Takata that may explode and cause serious injury or death. Certain BMW models from 2000—2015 may be affected.

You can not sell a car without the airbag and violation of such can result in a criminal complaint and loss of dealership license in every state.

Classic or vintage vehicles, do not have airbags, nor do they have seat belts, these type of vehicles are allowed to use the roads without these being fitted, the reason is that they were not fitted when those vehicles were made and sold, they are exempt from the rules.

There is no law preventing you from driving your car after airbags deploy, but this is not advisable. It is important for your safety to have your car checked for damage and your airbags replaced by an authorized service technician before driving the vehicle.

At what speed does the airbag open? ›

Typically, a front airbag will deploy for unbelted occupants when the crash is the equivalent of an impact into a rigid wall at 10-12 mph. Most airbags will deploy at a higher threshold — about 16 mph — for belted occupants because the belts alone are likely to provide adequate protection up to these moderate speeds.

Consistently our sales team is asked, "Can I daily drive on air suspension?" The simple answer is YES! Like most things, you won't have any problems if you take your time on a good install. Your air suspension is going to be as reliable as you make it.

Modern vehicles may contain up to ten airbag modules in various configurations, including driver, passenger, side-curtain, seat-mounted, door-mounted, B and C-pillar mounted side-impact, knee bolster, inflatable seat belt, and pedestrian airbag modules.

You should always keep 5 lbs. of air pressure in your air bags to prevent any damage. 5 lbs. will not affect your ride but will ensure your air bags last. This is where an air compressor kit comes in handy, monitoring and maintain the minimum air bag pressure.