Airbag Facts and Risks in Texas Auto Accidents

It used to be that airbag auto accident deaths were constantly in the news. It seemed as though this new technology was taking as many lives as it was saving. However, with advances in technology and “lessons learned” from past crashes, the safety record of airbags is improving. Despite these advances, there are still dangers from both frontal and side impact airbags, and drivers and passengers should educate themselves on what steps can be taken to minimize the risk of injury and death from these devices.

These days airbags are pretty much standard on all new vehicles. There are frontal airbags and side-impact air bags that come as either standard equipment on new cars and trucks or they may be optional. Many drivers don’t think twice about airbag safety, which is unfortunate because while airbags can save lives, they can also be dangerous if not used correctly.

Frontal and Side Airbag Facts

There are two main kinds of airbags available in American passenger vehicles. Driver and passenger frontal air bags have been standard on all light vehicles since model year 1999, and are intended to supplement the use of seat belts. Frontal bags are most effective in moderate to severe frontal collisions, and are not designed to offer protection in rollover, side-impact, or rear-end crashes.

Side-impact air bags are intended to protect the driver and passengers’ head and chest from being injured during a side-impact collision. Introduced in 1998, these inflatable devices did not become widely available until recently and are not required by the NHTSA. However, in 2007 the NHTSA published a rule requiring the upgrade of side impact protection to meet new performance requirements. However, it is still up to individual auto manufacturers to decide how they will meet the new performance requirements.

Airbag Risks and Dangers

1. Occupants not wearing a seat belt or those sitting too close to the dashboard of the car can be seriously injured or killed if the airbag deploys.
2. Due to their small size and skeletal immaturity, children under the age of 13 can be seriously injured or killed if they are sitting in the front seat when a frontal airbag is deployed.
3. Babies riding in a rear-facing car seat can also be seriously injured or killed if they are riding in the front passenger seat when a frontal airbag deploys.
4. Pregnant women can sustain fetal injury from a deploying airbag if they cannot sit far enough away.
5. There is a small risk that children or infants could be injured if they are sitting too close to a side-impact airbag when it deploys, but to date no incidences have been reported.

To ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers, you should always review your owner’s manual to learn more about the types of airbags in your vehicle and how they operate.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident, please contact the Houston law offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom for a free review and consultation of your case.

Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C

1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1020

Houston, TX 77002

Phone: 713.224.7800

Fax: 713.224.7801