Airbags are known for helping to lessen the number of fatalities in vehicle collisions, but there are also concerns about their safety.
They work by combining an igniter and a solid propellant which works a little like a rocket booster to make the bag burst out from where it is stored at speeds up to 200 mph, and then seconds later the gas in the bag goes out from tiny holes in the material so that the person in the vehicle can move.
However, since they have been fitted, experts have always said that they must be used together with seat belts as air bags only work in front end crashes at speeds of more than 10 mph and unless there are side airbags fitted, seat belts are needed for rear and side collisions.
In addition, the force with which an airbag deploys can hurt those who are too close, and drivers or passengers need to be at least 10 inches away. In the case of a steering wheel mounted airbag, the driver should measure the distance from the middle of the steering wheel to the breast bone and if not far enough away, then the driving position should be adjusted. The seat should be moved backwards but still so that the pedals can be easily reached and then reclined to achieve the appropriate distance from the steering wheel.
When it comes to children, those aged 12 and under should be in the right car seat for their age in the rear seat. Babies under a year old and less than 20 pounds in weight must never ride in a rear facing child seat with an air bag as it can be fatal if it deploys.
If you have been injured in an auto accident please call the Bismarck accident attorneys of Maring Williams Law Office, P.C. at (800) 492-5297 or contact us online today to schedule your free initial consultation.
