What is the primary purpose of airbags in vehicles?

What is the primary purpose of airbags in vehicles?

• A. Prevent a second collision inside the car.
• B. Prevent the driver from sustaining head trauma.
• C. Be used with or without a shoulder harness.
• D. Decrease the severity of deceleration injuries.

Answer: (D)

The primary purpose of airbags in vehicles is to decrease the severity of deceleration injuries. When a vehicle is involved in a collision, the rapid deceleration can lead to significant forces exerted on the occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury. Airbags deploy at high speed during a crash to create a cushion that slows the occupant's forward motion more gradually than they would experience in a hard impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. This cushioning effect effectively reduces the risk and severity of injuries that can occur during the violent movement associated with a crash. The design and deployment of airbags are specifically intended to work alongside seat belts. They are most effective when occupants are properly restrained, as this positioning allows the airbag to deploy in a way that optimally protects the individual. By absorbing some of the kinetic energy from the occupant's motion, airbags mitigate the impact force, which is critical in preventing life-threatening injuries.

The primary purpose of airbags in vehicles is to decrease the severity of deceleration injuries. When a vehicle is involved in a collision, the rapid deceleration can lead to significant forces exerted on the occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury. Airbags deploy at high speed during a crash to create a cushion that slows the occupant's forward motion more gradually than they would experience in a hard impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. This cushioning effect effectively reduces the risk and severity of injuries that can occur during the violent movement associated with a crash.

The design and deployment of airbags are specifically intended to work alongside seat belts. They are most effective when occupants are properly restrained, as this positioning allows the airbag to deploy in a way that optimally protects the individual. By absorbing some of the kinetic energy from the occupant's motion, airbags mitigate the impact force, which is critical in preventing life-threatening injuries.