Drivers don't know what to expect from air bags

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Drivers and passengers should be educated in what to expect if their vehicles air bags are deployed - 21st April 2008

Drivers should be taught what to expect when their vehicles air bag is deployed if they are involved in a road accident. GEM Motoring Assist (GEM) which campaigns for safety for all road users is worried that many drivers and passenger do not know what to expect if they are involved in a road accident collision and the vehicles air bags are deployed.  

Air bags are deployed when the vehicle is involved in a road accident impact, they are inflated when a mini explosion causes gas to be generated which inflates a usually nylon fabric bag. The air bag has small vents in, so it expels the gas slowly as the occupant is propelled against it.

The explosion that triggers the air bag can be very loud which can startle the vehicles occupants, and can also give off a lot of smoke which may lead the occupants to believe that the vehicle is on fire. If people are seriously injured in a road accident they should remain in the vehicle until the emergency services arrive providing it is safe to do so.

If people new what to expect from air bag deployments, it could stop panic at accident scenes caused by large amounts of smoke in the vehicle and prevent unnecessary movement of casualties.