For decades now, all vehicles have generally been fitted with airbags during production. The science behind this technology is that the inflated material acts as a cushion during a collision, protecting drivers and passengers from severe injury.
Does the technology work? If so, are airbags flawless in preventing catastrophic injuries?
The protection airbags offer
Numerous studies have been conducted on the subject, with many concluding that airbags have saved lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests that over 2000 lives are saved by airbags every year.
Airbags are not without problems
While the safety mechanism is widely effective, airbags themselves can cause injuries. The force of a road traffic collision can be tremendous, even at lower speeds. Airbags are deployed at a rapid rate, with the purpose of shielding your body and head from hitting the front of the car. At higher speeds, the airbag itself can become an obstacle. Road users often sustain severe facial injuries, such as a broken nose, loss of teeth and damage to the orbital areas.
Facial burns
Airbags utilize chemical substances in their deployment. These materials can be extremely harmful if they come into contact with the skin. If the equipment is faulty, then harmful substances may leak, causing thermal burns that result in melted clothing and devastating burn injuries.
Airbags might just save your life, but the technology is not flawless. If you have been injured during a collision, whether or not your airbags were deployed, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.
