The University of Adelaide CENTRE FOR AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY RESEARCH

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TitleInjuries, death and vehicle airbag deployment
AuthorsO'Donovan S, van den Heuvel C, Baldock MRJ, Byard RW
Year2020
TypeJournal Article
AbstractAirbags are impact-activated safety devices which deploy from the interior of vehicles to protect occupants from trauma during crashes. Although airbags effectively reduce the risk of death and injury, this it is not without issues. For example, high-impact unbelted rigid-barrier testing in the USA led to the adoption of powerful, large airbags that were associated with numerous airbag-related deaths and injuries. In contrast, European designs were tested and certified in conjunction with the use of three-point restraint systems, meaning that the airbags could be smaller with reduced ‘punch-out’ power. An overview is provided of the mechanism of action of airbags and the associated non-lethal and lethal injuries that may be sustained by vehicle occupants.
Journal TitleMedicine, Science and the Law
Journal Volume (Issue)60(2)
Page Range147–149
NotesDOI: 10.1177/0025802419892392

Reference
O'Donovan S, van den Heuvel C, Baldock MRJ, Byard RW (2020). Injuries, death and vehicle airbag deployment. Medicine, Science and the Law, 60(2), 147–149.