Final answer:
Airbags have proven to be the most effective occupant protector in all types of vehicle crashes as they deploy upon impact to minimize injuries by allowing the force to act over a longer time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the provided information, airbags have proven to be the most effective occupant protector in all types of vehicle crashes. Airbags deploy upon impact to minimize serious injuries to passengers by allowing the net force on the occupants to act over a longer time, which reduces the force of impact. The longer collision time means the force on the car and the occupants will be less, leading to a decrease in injuries.