When do airbags deploy?

Airbags only deploy in serious crashes where the impact is sudden and hard, which is good because they can cause injury if they deploy unnecessarily. They typically come out during head-on collisions, front-angle collisions, side impacts, or rollovers, usually when you hit something at 8-14 mph or more.

But it’s not just about speed—it’s also about the force of the impact. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, a Dripping Springs car accident lawyer will help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

How Serious Does a Collision Have to Be for Airbags to Deploy?

Airbags only come out when the car crash is pretty serious. Your car has sensors that decide if the airbags should deploy, and these sensors look at how fast your car decelerates in a crash. If the crash isn’t bad enough, the airbags won’t deploy. These control sensors are beneficial because airbags can hurt you if they come out when unnecessary.

Which Collisions Trigger Airbag Deployment?

Not all crashes make airbags deploy. Here are the types that usually do:

• Head-on collisions: When you hit something straight on.
• Front-angle collisions: When you hit something at an angle from the front.
• Side impacts: Some cars have side airbags for these crashes.
• Rollovers: Some cars have airbags that deploy if your car flips over.

If you’re hit from behind with enough force, or a rear-end collision throws your car into another vehicle or object, the airbags might deploy.

“Justice isn’t a distant goal; it’s the real outcome we pursue for every client, every case, every day.”

Steven Ray York

The Speed of the Vehicle at Impact

How fast you’re going when you crash is really important for airbag deployment. Here’s why:

• Faster crashes are usually more serious.
• The faster you’re going, the more likely the airbags are to deploy.
• But it’s not just about speed – it’s about how fast you slow down.
• A crash into a solid wall at a lower speed might deploy airbags.
• A crash into something softer at higher speed might not.
• It’s all about how quickly your car stops moving.

At What Speed Do Airbags Deploy?

While there’s no exact speed when airbags always deploy, here are some general rules:

• Most airbags deploy when you hit something at 8-14 mph or more.
• This is about as fast as you might drive in a parking lot.
• But remember, it’s not just about speed – it’s about how hard the impact is.
• Hitting a solid wall at eight mph might deploy airbags.
• Hitting a bush at 20 mph probably won’t.
• The exact speed depends on your car and what you hit.

How Fast Do Airbags Deploy?

Airbags deploy extremely fast—within 20 to 30 milliseconds after a crash is detected. They must inflate quickly to cushion passengers before they are thrown forward by the force of the collision. The inflation rate is critical to ensuring that the airbag provides protection before the occupant can collide with the dashboard, steering wheel, or windows. According to the Safety Restore Guide, airbags can activate at speeds of up to 200 mph, and their timing is calibrated to ensure they inflate before the occupant is injured by the collision’s force.

Will Airbags Deploy in a Head-on Collision?

Head-on collisions are the most likely to make airbags deploy. Here’s why:

• They’re often the most serious type of crash.
• Your car slows down very quickly in a head-on crash.
• Most cars have sensors in the front to detect these crashes.
• Even at lower speeds, a head-on crash can deploy airbags.

Why Do Airbags Not Work Sometimes?

There are several reasons why airbags may not deploy during an accident, and not all of them indicate a malfunction. First, airbags are designed to deploy only in certain types of collisions, primarily frontal or side crashes, where the impact is strong enough to cause serious injury. For example, low-speed collisions or rear-end accidents often don’t trigger airbag deployment because the system may determine that seat belts alone can provide sufficient protection.

Additionally, sensor malfunctions or failures in the vehicle’s electrical system can prevent airbags from working. It’s essential to regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle to avoid such issues. If an airbag fails to deploy in a significant collision, you may have legal recourse to investigate a potential manufacturing defect. In Texas, laws allow victims to pursue claims if vehicle defects contribute to injury.

What Kind of Impact Do Airbags Have?

Airbags significantly reduce the risk of severe injury or death in a collision, particularly by protecting the head, chest, and torso. In fact, according to the NHTSA, airbags saved an estimated 50,457 lives between 1987 and 2017. While they can prevent life-threatening injuries, it’s important to understand that airbags can also cause minor injuries upon deployment. The rapid inflation, which occurs at speeds up to 200 mph, can result in:

• Facial bruising and abrasions from the device hitting the driver or passenger’s face.
• Arm and wrist fractures due to the force of the airbag, particularly when a driver’s hands are positioned on the steering wheel.
• Burns from the chemicals used in the deployment process, including sodium azide, which inflates the airbag.

Despite these risks, the benefits of airbags far outweigh the potential for minor injuries, especially when combined with seat belts, which distribute crash forces across stronger parts of the body. Side-impact airbags also play a critical role in protecting passengers in T-bone collisions or rollovers, both of which are common causes of injury in Texas.

What Kind of Damages Do Airbags Cause to Cars?

Airbags can cause significant damage to the interior of a vehicle, particularly the dashboard, steering wheel, or side panels where they are housed. Upon deployment, the force of their inflation can crack or break these interior components.

According to CarParts, if the airbags go off, your car might not be totaled, but repairs can be costly, especially if sensors, electrical components, and other systems need replacement. These repairs could exceed the vehicle’s value, especially in older cars. It’s crucial to get an accurate repair estimate to determine if the vehicle is worth fixing.

A Dripping Springs, TX Car Accident Attorney is Ready to  Answer Your Questions

Our Dripping Spring injury lawyers at York Law are experienced in all types of injury claims in Dripping Springs, TX, and will help protect your rights if you’ve been injured. Call us at (619) 233-1033 or contact us online to get the support you need.

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Steven Ray York who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.