Posts Tagged ‘airbags’

Car accidents that are head on create a different risk for those involved. A  7 year study released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that despite the use of airbags and seat belts, deaths from head on or frontal collisions continue. Head-on crashes have always been very dangerous collisions, but the presence of airbags was expected to almost eliminate the risk of death from these kind of car accidents. The study shows that among other things the size of the occupant may determine how effective an airbag and seat belt system will be in preventing death from a head-on or front collision. Too big or too small and the airbag may not protect you. If the angle of impact is not completely head-on the airbag may not protect you. If the impact is very severe, the airbag may not protect you. Will this study bring about changes in airbag design? Unlikely in my opinion – at least anytime soon, the American auto industry has too much going on and safety improvements are unlikely to be part of their agenda (profits will be). The lesson is for drivers everywhere to not put too much faith in the “safety technology” in their cars. A front end collision in Nashville or anywhere else can result in serious injury even in a car with all the latest safety equipment. To review this study and other information about your rights go to our website, or click here for the details of this NHTSA study.