Final answer:
Airbags and seat belts have increased the number of minor injuries while greatly reducing severe injuries and fatalities. Airbags work according to the principle of impulse in physics, decreasing the impact force by increasing the time of impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Airbags and seat belts have significantly improved vehicle safety by reducing the severity and number of fatalities in automobile accidents. However, they have been associated with an increase in certain types of non-fatal injuries. Considering the options provided, the correct answer is that airbags and seat belts have increased the number of minor injuries. This is because the introduction of airbags and seat belts has changed the injury profile of car accidents by preventing more serious injuries and deaths, though sometimes resulting in less serious injuries such as bruises or abrasions caused by contact with the airbag or seat belt during a crash.
The function of airbags and crumple zones in cars is to extend the time of impact during a collision, thus reducing the force exerted on the occupants. According to physics, this relates to the concept of impulse, where a longer duration of impact results in a lower net force on individuals in the vehicle. This concept is critical in explaining why safety features like airbags are effective at saving lives and reducing serious injuries.