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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Airbags — is one of the key elements of passive car safety that saves lives in accidents. Their main goal is — to reduce impact strength, protect the head, chest and other vulnerable parts of the driver's and passengers' bodies.
What are airbags made of?
The pillow itself — is a durable bag made of synthetic materials, mostly nylon or polyester, impregnated with a special coating that can withstand high temperatures. Inside is a textile bag folded in several layers, which is instantly filled with gas upon impact.
The inflation mechanism works thanks to the gas generator. Previously, solid chemicals (for example, sodium azide) were used, which instantly released nitrogen during the reaction. Today, safer mixtures of — argon, helium or other inert gases under pressure are used, as well as nitrogen formed during the burning of special pyrotechnic cartridges.
History of the invention
- 1951 — German engineer Walter Lindeblat received a patent for a «inflatable protective cushion for vehicles».
- 1953 — American John Getrick patented his own system inspired by aviation life jackets.
- In the 1970s, the company Mercedes-Benz she began to actively research the technology and was the first to install an airbag in a serial Mercedes-Benz S-Class car (W116, 1979).
- In the 1980's, pillows came to the US, where automakers began to be required to install passive safety systems.
- In 1992 Toyota Avensis it became the first car on the European market with a foot airbag.
- In the mid-1990's, the demand for airbags was growing: by 1998,5% of new cars in Europe had at least one front airbag, although there was no legal obligation yet — it was a market dictating safety.
- Autoliv, a Swedish company, led the production of side cushions — they were introduced in the Volvo 850 in 1994.
Today, airbags are the standard: they are installed not only in the front, but also on the sides, in seats, ceilings and even in seat belts.
Interesting facts
- Average pillow opening time — is about 30–50 milliseconds (faster than blinking).
- The weight of the pillow when folded — is only about 1.5–2 kg, but it can save lives in road accidents at speeds up to 80 km/h.
- Modern cars can have from 6 to 12 airbags: for the driver, passenger, knee, side and curtains to protect the head.
- There are even special pillows for motorcyclists built into vests or jackets.
Requirements and statistics
- In the EU and the US, the installation of front airbags is mandatory for all new cars.
- From 1987 to 2021, airbags saved more than 50,000 lives in the U.S. alone, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- In the UK, the first law to make front cushion (driver's) mandatory came back in 1991; then, in 1994–1998, — passenger and side cushions became standard.
- Research shows that the risk of a driver dying in a head-on collision is reduced by about 30% if the car has an airbag and belt.
- In Germany, during the mass introduction of pillows (1990–2005), the number of road deaths more than halved; the rate of reduction in deaths due to frontal collisions is estimated at approximately 20% thanks to pillows.
- In 2025, the European Parliament is considering the introduction of pillows for motorcyclists, which can reduce serious spinal injuries by 60%.
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