Airbags are a crucial safety feature in modern cars, designed to protect the driver and passengers in the event of a crash. But at what speed do airbags deploy?
Airbags are designed to deploy when the car experiences a certain level of deceleration. 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.
At higher speeds, the force of the impact is too great for the belts to handle, and the airbags will deploy to absorb the shock and reduce the risk of serious injury. The exact speed at which airbags deploy can vary depending on the car model and the type of airbag system, but the general rule is that airbags are designed to deploy when the car experiences a deceleration of 10-16 mph.
It’s important to note that airbags are not designed to deploy in all types of crashes. For example, if the car is involved in a side-impact collision, the airbags may not deploy. This is because the force of the impact is not enough to trigger the airbag system. In these cases, the car’s side-impact airbags may deploy instead.
It’s also important to note that airbags are not designed to protect the driver and passengers from all types of injuries. While airbags can reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a crash, they are not a substitute for wearing a seatbelt. Seatbelts are designed to keep the driver and passengers in their seats during a crash, and they should always be worn when driving.
In conclusion, airbags are designed to deploy when the car experiences a deceleration of 10-16 mph. This is typically the equivalent of an impact into a rigid wall, and it is enough force to trigger the airbag system. However, airbags are not designed to deploy in all types of crashes, and they are not a substitute for wearing a seatbelt. Seatbelts should always be worn when driving, as they are the best way to protect yourself in the event of a crash.