Here are some specific reasons why cars have airbags:
1. Head Protection: Airbags are particularly important for protecting the head in a collision, especially in side-impact crashes where a passenger's head may strike the window or other hard objects. Airbags cushion the head, reducing the risk of severe head injuries, including concussions and skull fractures.
2. Facial Protection: Airbags also provide protection for the face, helping to prevent facial bone fractures and lacerations. In frontal collisions, airbags cushion the face, minimizing the risk of facial injuries from impact with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other interior parts of the car.
3. Occupant Restraint: Airbags work together with seatbelts to restrain occupants in their seats during a crash. By preventing the excessive movement of passengers within the car, airbags help reduce the risk of being thrown around or ejected from the vehicle, which could result in more severe injuries.
4. Energy Absorption: Airbags are designed to absorb and dissipate energy generated by a collision, cushioning occupants and reducing their exposure to the sudden and extreme deceleration that occurs during a crash.
5. Injury Mitigation: Airbags have proven effective in mitigating a wide range of injuries in car accidents, including skull fractures, facial injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and blunt force trauma. By reducing the severity of injuries, airbags significantly enhance passenger safety.
