This automotive safety feature provides additional protection to vehicle occupants during a collision, supplementing the primary safety measure of seatbelts. It typically consists of airbags strategically placed within the vehicle’s cabin, designed to deploy rapidly upon impact. An example of such a system would be front airbags, side airbags, and knee airbags. These components work in conjunction with sensors that detect sudden deceleration indicative of a crash.
The significance of this enhancement lies in its ability to reduce the severity of injuries sustained in accidents. Airbags cushion the occupant’s impact with the vehicle’s interior, preventing contact with hard surfaces like the steering wheel or dashboard. The implementation of these features has dramatically decreased fatalities and serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Initially developed in the mid-20th century, continuous refinement and technological advancements have improved their reliability and effectiveness over time.
