Final answer:
Airbags are a supplemental restraint system designed to complement seat belts by providing additional protection during a collision. They deploy upon impact to cushion passengers and minimize serious injuries. The correct answer to the student's question is 'c. supplemental restraint system'.
Step-by-step explanation:
Airbags are a supplemental restraint system (SRS) designed to work in conjunction with seat belts to provide enhanced protection to vehicle occupants during certain types of collisions. When a collision occurs, sensors in the vehicle detect the sudden deceleration and, if the impact is above a certain threshold, trigger the rapid inflation of the airbag. This action helps to reduce the risk of serious injuries by cushioning the passengers and preventing them from striking the interior of the vehicle or being ejected.
While seat belts are considered the primary restraint system as they are the first line of defense, airbags are referred to as a supplemental system because they provide additional protection beyond that offered by seat belts alone. They are not meant to replace seat belts but to enhance the level of safety in case of an accident.
The correct answer to the question 'What are airbags?' is c. supplemental restraint system.