What Injuries Are Caused by Side & Front Airbags?

Airbags are inflatable safety mechanisms installed in the front and on the sides of vehicle passenger compartments. They aim to protect drivers and passengers when there is a crash. Airbags stow in compartments, seen only when they activate. Activation involves the balloon-like device ejecting from its compartment at speeds that can exceed 100 mph. Although airbags save lives, they can also cause injury.

Injuries

• Airbags can cause a wide range of harm including burns and abrasions. Injuries can result to the face, chest and head. Airbags can also cause death.

  The most serious harm often results when people are too close to the device when it ejects. Riders may be close because of the position of the seat, or because an unconscious state causes them to slump on the steering wheel, or because of not wearing safety belts.

  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges people to wear safety belts to protect themselves against harm from airbags. When an accident occurs, an unrestrained person flies forward. A rapidly ejecting airbag will push the person in the opposite direction. This can result in fatal injuries.

  As a result, the NHTSA urges drivers to maintain at least 10 inches of space between themselves and a steering wheel containing an airbag.

Side Airbags

• Side airbags do not cause injury as often as this in front. Injury happens, however. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the chances of harm increase when passengers don't use restraints, and when children lean against vehicle doors.

Attachment of Items

• The NHTSA warns drivers not to attach items to airbag compartments. Attached items can become projectiles if the airbag ejects, and result in serious injuries.

Children and Pregnant Women

• According to the NHTSA, rear-facing child safety seats should not be in the front seat. If an airbag ejects, it can severely injure or kill a child can.

  Airbags may pose risks to pregnant women. A study published by Obstetrics and Gynecology found accidents involving airbags increase pre-term labor by 70 percent. Fetal death in such crashes was three times higher than in accidents where airbags did not activate. The NHTSA advises pregnant women to move the seat as far away from the airbag compartment as possible.