Final answer:
Proper use and maintenance of airbags can greatly reduce the chance of injury in a collision. Suggestions include appropriate seat positioning, always wearing seat belts, placing young children in the back seat, monitoring airbag systems, and being mindful of how to hold the steering wheel.
Step-by-step explanation:
Air Bag Safety Suggestions
Airbags are crucial safety features in vehicles that deploy upon impact to minimize serious injuries to passengers. To ensure their effectiveness and your safety, consider the following suggestions:
- Seat Position: Adjust your seat so that you are at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel to allow space for the airbag to deploy.
- Seat Belts: Always wear your seat belt properly as it works in conjunction with the airbag to provide maximum protection.
- Children's Safety: Children under 13 should sit in the back seat because airbags can pose risks to small children seated in the front.
- Airbag Maintenance: Regularly check your vehicle's airbag system indicators to ensure that it is functioning correctly and has not been compromised.
- Steering Wheel Position: Hold the steering wheel from the sides, avoiding placing hands across the wheel where the airbag deploys to prevent arm injuries.
The value of an airbag is in reducing the force on vehicle occupants by allowing a longer duration for the momentum change during a crash. Airbags, when combined with safety belts, significantly contribute to passenger safety by lessening the impact force.