Airbag Safety Tips All Drivers Must Know
Their reputation has been slightly marred by airbag recalls and injuries brought on by airbag deployment. The truth is that any vehicle’s seat belts and airbags continue to be very effective safety equipment. Of course, misuse might result in damage as with any safety gear.
This concludes our two-part blog article on airbag safety recommendations. Read part one for a detailed explanation of an airbag control system and the first three crucial suggestions on how to position your body for optimum airbag performance.
Here are seven additional recommendations for using airbags safely:
- Adjust The Steering Wheel
Telescoping steering wheels are a feature of several new vehicles on the market today. This gives you the option to tilt the wheel up or down in accordance with your preferences.
When an airbag deploys, it works best if it hits you where your chest is the largest. To protect your face and neck from damage, if you can, slant your steering wheel downward.
- Appropriate Hand Placement
You were probably trained to drive with your hands at 10 and 2 o’clock by your driving instructor. Because your hands are less likely to fly into your face during an impact if you tilt your hands to the 9 and 3 positions, you can significantly reduce the risk of suffering an airbag deployment injury. - Adjust the Seatback At all times, you should have your chest at least ten inches away from the wheel. To ensure that you are at a safe distance and that the airbag will strike you at an angle rather than directly, tilt your seat back.
4. Never disregard the airbag light.
The airbag sensor circuit is tested by the airbag control system each time you start your car. Your airbag light will come on if anything in the system isn’t working properly. Bring your car in for an airbag maintenance check if the light is blinking so that the issue can be identified and fixed right away. When your airbag light is on, never drive.
- Make inquiries About Airbag Upkeep
Airbags are designed to endure the entire life of your car. In contrast, if your car is a little older, your manufacturer might suggest replacing your airbags. Ask the mechanics if you need to have your airbag module reset or replaced at your next appointment for auto repair. - Keep Children In The Back Seat All passengers who are 90 pounds or lighter and under the age of 12 must be seated in the back seat. A little infant cannot withstand the speed and force of a frontal airbag. Children should always be properly belted in and seated in the middle of the rear seat.
7. Infants Should Face The Rear Of The Car
Until they reach the maximum height or weight that the car seat will support, all babies and toddlers should travel in a rear-facing car seat. Use a forward-facing car seat with a harness once they outgrow that.
Use a belt-positioning booster until your young child can be properly belted in if they have outgrown their car seat but are still unable to do so with the normal seatbelt. Keep in mind that for the airbags to function properly, your body should be restrained by the lap and shoulder belts.
8. Make Sure You Learn about the Safety Features when You Buy a Car
Most new cars come with this safety feature. At the time of purchasing a car, make sure that you go an extra mile to learn about all its safety features including this one. Even if you are not buying a brand new car, there is a wide variety of old cars with airbags that have been on the market for years. Do ask the previous owner for the current state of the car’s safety features. And, don’t forget to read the owner’s manual.
Conclusion
High-speed airbag deployment shields drivers and passengers from harm in the case of an accident. Seven out of ten airbag safety guidelines were discussed in the second installment of a two-part blog series on keeping you and your passengers safe. If you missed part one, be sure to check our blog because it provides three crucial safety advice as well as a detailed explanation of how an airbag operates.
Safety Restore is available for you if you need your airbag serviced. Among our many services are seat belt repair, seat belt webbing replacement, and airbag module reset. Visit our website right away and add a service to your cart!
