March 2008
New air bags safer than earlier models
Air-bag related injuries have declined
Federally mandated improvements in air-bag technology have proven effective in saving lives, all but eliminating inflatable-restraint-related fatalities.
In 2005, no adults and two children died from air bag-induced injuries, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics. This technology has quelled the trend in which deaths from air bags rose in the early 1990s and peaked in 1997 when NHTSA recorded 53 air bag-related fatalities.
With the rising death tolls, new legislation and technology advances saw the deployment force of air bags determined by new control systems that could respond more appropriately to crash severity. Death rates have declined as more vehicles have rolled out these smarter systems. As of Jan. 1, 2006, air bags have saved an estimated 18,913 lives, according to NHTSA.
Back story on front bags
Front air bags have been standard equipment on all passenger cars since 1998, though the first production applications occurred more than 25 years earlier. By 1995 almost all cars and many light trucks had driver air bags, and by 1997 most had passenger-side front air bags.
The third-generation supplemental restraints, known as advanced air bags, started appearing in 2004 vehicles. These systems automatically determine the level of power that the frontal and passenger air bag need to inflate. The sensors can detect occupant size, seat position, seat-belt use, and crash severity, enabling the air bag to deploy appropriately. All passenger cars and light trucks produced after Sept. 1, 2006 will have advanced frontal air bags.
What you can do
Even though the new technology of air bags has proven effective at saving lives and new technology is constantly developing, minor injuries are still a risk. Here some ways to further protect yourself and your family:
Air-bag related injuries have declined
Federally mandated improvements in air-bag technology have proven effective in saving lives, all but eliminating inflatable-restraint-related fatalities.
In 2005, no adults and two children died from air bag-induced injuries, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics. This technology has quelled the trend in which deaths from air bags rose in the early 1990s and peaked in 1997 when NHTSA recorded 53 air bag-related fatalities.
With the rising death tolls, new legislation and technology advances saw the deployment force of air bags determined by new control systems that could respond more appropriately to crash severity. Death rates have declined as more vehicles have rolled out these smarter systems. As of Jan. 1, 2006, air bags have saved an estimated 18,913 lives, according to NHTSA.
Back story on front bags
Front air bags have been standard equipment on all passenger cars since 1998, though the first production applications occurred more than 25 years earlier. By 1995 almost all cars and many light trucks had driver air bags, and by 1997 most had passenger-side front air bags.
The third-generation supplemental restraints, known as advanced air bags, started appearing in 2004 vehicles. These systems automatically determine the level of power that the frontal and passenger air bag need to inflate. The sensors can detect occupant size, seat position, seat-belt use, and crash severity, enabling the air bag to deploy appropriately. All passenger cars and light trucks produced after Sept. 1, 2006 will have advanced frontal air bags.
What you can do
Even though the new technology of air bags has proven effective at saving lives and new technology is constantly developing, minor injuries are still a risk. Here some ways to further protect yourself and your family:
- Always buckle your safety belt. Advanced frontal air bags are a supplement to a restraint system and they are most effective
when used in combination.
- Keep at least 10 inches between your breastbone and the cover of the air-bag module. Some new vehicles offer adjustable pedals
and/or a telescoping steering column that can help you find a comfortable, safe driving position.
- Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag, unless the air bag on/off switch is in the off position.
- Place children age 12 and under in the back seat and ensure they are properly restrained.
