AIRBAG EXPLOSION

Before the end of this century, most major automakers will be offering cars equipped with side-impact airbags. Ten percent of all serious injuries from accidents are from side impacts, and 30% of all accidents are side-impact collisions. Side-impact airbags are intended to provide increased protection to an occupant's upper torso and head during a side impact. Carbuyers are eager to pay for the extra protection, especially in the luxury and near-luxury categories. Volvo was the first to introduce side airbags in its 1995 850 models and now includes side airbags as standard equipment in all cars it sells in North America. The design of side airbags is infinitely more difficult than front airbags. They must begin deploying in only 5 or 6 milliseconds. They must be either seatback-mounted with mechanical sensors or door-mounted with electronic sensors. Information is provided in this article on which automakers are installing side-impact airbags or plan to do so in the near future.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Hearst Magazines

    Popular Mechanics, 224 West 57th Street
    New York, NY  United States  10019
  • Authors:
    • Shuldiner, H
  • Publication Date: 1996-4

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Figures; Photos;
  • Pagination: p. 49-51
  • Serial:
    • Popular Mechanics
    • Volume: 173
    • Issue Number: 4
    • Publisher: Hearst Magazines
    • ISSN: 0032-4558

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00721557
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Report/Paper Numbers: HS-042 071
  • Files: HSL, USDOT
  • Created Date: May 29 1996 12:00AM