Things to keep in mind when using car airbags.

Airbags are passive devices discreetly installed in various locations inside the vehicle's cabin and frame. In the event of a dangerous incident, the airbag system inflates, creating an air cushion that reduces injury to occupants, and quickly deflates. In some countries, airbags are mandatory in vehicles, along with seat belts. The level of protection provided by airbags varies depending on the type and installation location.

Although airbags are safety devices, users still need to pay attention to the following points to ensure they function effectively and to avoid unnecessary accidents.

Always wear your seatbelt.

Always wearing your seatbelt is one of the essential rules for using airbags in a car. Fastening your seatbelt will help maximize the effectiveness of the airbag. Car airbags are always tested in conjunction with seatbelts, and some vehicles may not even deploy airbags if the seatbelt is not fastened.

When seatbelts are fastened, occupants are not thrown violently toward the deploying airbag. Therefore, they will not suffer serious injuries to their face or chest. So, always fasten your seatbelt even if your car is not equipped with airbags.

Sit in the correct posture.

Passengers in cars need to pay attention to proper seating posture. Those sitting in the front passenger seat should not rest their feet on the dashboard. This area is equipped with airbags, and in the event of a collision, the pressure from the airbag deploying could break their legs.

For drivers, the seat should be adjusted so that it is not too close to the steering wheel, at least 25 cm away from it (measured from the center of the steering wheel to the driver's chest) to prevent serious injury in case the airbag deploys. Furthermore, sitting too close to the steering wheel will not give the airbag enough time to fully deploy and create sufficient cushioning for protection.

Do not place objects on the surface of the airbag.

Many people often place decorative items on the dashboard without knowing that this can be dangerous in the event of a collision. If a collision occurs, the airbag will deploy at high speed, creating a very strong force. The decorative items will then be flung away at high speed, posing a danger to the occupants of the vehicle.

Avoid crossing your arms on the steering wheel.

For safety reasons, drivers are advised to avoid crossing their arms on the steering wheel. If the airbag deploys, the force of the explosion can cause injury to the driver if their steering wheel grip is incorrect.

Do not touch the airbag.

Airbags deploy when the gas inside is activated by an ignition process. Therefore, heat remains around the airbag area after it explodes. To avoid burns, occupants should not touch the inside of the airbag.

Children sitting in the back seat

In the unfortunate event of an accident, the force of a deploying airbag can be very dangerous for young children sitting in the front seat. Therefore, children under 12 years old must sit in the back seat and be secured in a child seat to avoid injury.