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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Airbags are one of the key elements of a vehicle's passive safety, saving lives during accidents. Their main purpose is to reduce the impact force, protecting the head, chest, and other vulnerable parts of the body of the driver and passengers.
What are airbags made of?
The airbag itself is a strong bag made of synthetic materials, mostly nylon or polyester, coated with a special layer that withstands high temperatures. Inside is a textile bag folded in several layers, which instantly fills with gas upon collision.
The inflation mechanism works thanks to a gas generator. Previously, solid chemicals (such as sodium azide) were used, which released nitrogen instantly upon reaction. Today, safer mixtures are used — argon, helium, or other inert gases under pressure, as well as nitrogen generated during the combustion of special pyrotechnic cartridges.
History of invention
- 1951 — German engineer Walter Linderer received a patent for the "inflatable protective cushion for vehicles."
- 1953 — American John Hetrick patented his own system inspired by aviation life vests.
- In the 1970s, Mercedes-Benz began actively researching the technology and was the first to install an airbag in a production car, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116, 1979).
- In the 1980s, airbags appeared in the USA, where automakers began to be required to install passive safety systems.
- In 1992, the Toyota Avensis became the first car in the European market with a knee airbag.
- By the mid-1990s, the demand for airbags was growing: by 1998, 95% of new cars in Europe had at least one front airbag, although there was no legislative requirement yet — it was a market that dictated safety.
- Autoliv, a Swedish company, led the production of side airbags — they were implemented in the Volvo 850 in 1994.
Today, airbags are standard: they are installed not only in the front but also on the sides, in seats, roofs, and even in seat belts.
Interesting facts
- The average deployment time of an airbag is about 30–50 milliseconds (faster than blinking an eye).
- The weight of an airbag when folded is only about 1.5–2 kg, but it can save lives in a crash at speeds up to 80 km/h.
- Modern cars can have between 6 to 12 airbags: for the driver, passenger, knee, side, and curtain airbags for head protection.
- There are even special airbags for motorcyclists, built into vests or jackets.
Requirements and statistics
- In the EU and the USA, the installation of front airbags is mandatory for all new cars.
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 1987 to 2021, airbags saved over 50,000 lives in the USA alone.
- In the UK, the first law mandating the front airbag (driver's) appeared as early as 1991; then, from 1994 to 1998, passenger and side airbags became standard.
- Studies show that the risk of driver death in a frontal collision is reduced by about 30% if the car has an airbag and seatbelt.
- In Germany, during the mass implementation of airbags (1990–2005), the number of road deaths decreased by more than half; the reduction in mortality from frontal collisions is estimated at about 20% due to airbags.
- The European Parliament is considering introducing airbags for motorcyclists in 2025, which could reduce serious spinal injuries by 60%.
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