When a car 'intentionally' fails to deploy its airbags.

OCS technology in cars can detect whether the person in the front passenger seat is a child or an adult and decide whether or not to deploy the airbag.

Airbags deploy at speeds of around 320 km/h, and combined with the volume of gas inside, they become like small bombs or thunderous punches to the face of passengers. This is partly why most airbag-related deaths or injuries, particularly to children, are caused by airbag malfunctions.

Children can die from airbags deploying. >> Watch video

To prevent "side effects" of airbags, safety regulatory agencies around the world require car manufacturers to install systems that detect when a child or a small adult is sitting in the passenger seat. In such cases, the airbag will not deploy, and instead, the occupants will be protected by seat belts.

This technology has different names depending on the manufacturer, but it's commonly referred to as the Occupant Classification System (OCS). To better understand this "airbag prevention" technology, Howstuffworks analyzes the structure of this system in vehicles, provided by the automotive parts and technology company Delphi.

Delphin calls this system the Passive Occupant Detection System (PODS). The system is located under the seat and consists of a pressure sensor, a silicone inflation bag, and an ECU controller. When someone sits in the seat, the sensor sends weight information to the ECU, which then sends the information back to the controller. Analysis then takes place to decide whether or not to deploy the bag.

In addition to weight sensors, the OCS also has seatbelt tension sensors to determine if a child is seated with a seatbelt fastened or if a heavy object has simply been placed on the seat. When analyzing the data, a warning light will appear on the dashboard to let the driver know whether the passenger airbag is deactivated or activated. The airbag is also controlled to deploy at maximum or moderate speed depending on the size of the occupant.

Sensors and ECUs of OCS technology.

Although OCS detects occupants, car manufacturers argue that this is not yet the optimal technology, as all analysis is based on physical quantification. Many manufacturers are researching and developing more advanced technology, using optical cameras to read images of occupants to capture the most accurate information. Some cars even have seats that can read heart rate and breathing rate to assess the user's health status.

However, this technology doesn't always work effectively. Because it doesn't use cameras to read images, changes in posture can cause the vehicle to make incorrect decisions. It's because of this risk of accidents that safety recommendations from every manufacturer emphasize that children or short people should sit in the back seat.

According to VNE