In minor crashes, the outer panels crush and absorb the impact. Restraint systems remain inactive. If a preset threshold is passed, sensing more than a mere “fender bender”, the primary restraint system will activate. This means that a small charge (firing) causes the safety belts to tighten automatically to close any space between the safety belts, your torso and the back of your seat. After activation (firing) seatbelt assemblies must be replaced and cannot be reused. In a more severe crash and the force of the impact exceeds a second threshold, sensing frame rail involvement or indicating a more severe impact, the supplemental system (SRS) will deploy along with the safety belts tightening.
What happens when you’re involved in a minor crash that should only require the primary restraint system (seatbelts) to activate and your or your passengers are not wearing them? There happens to be a little module in the center of your vehicle and it knows when bodies or objects are riding in seats restrained or unrestrained. The primary system will not activate, (or fire) saving the seat belt assembly from destruction. However, here’s the bad news: given the above scenario, the airbag system or SRS would have to activate. Since the system senses that seatbelts weren’t worn, the restraint system tries to offer protection by firing the air bags alone. Not only does this make the repair bill much more expensive than necessary, it can put passengers in jeopardy for more severe injuries.
These cars “tell on you”. The system knows if you’re obeying the law and taking the proper precautions when driving your vehicle. Insurance companies can use this information to either allow or deny paying for the excessive costs involved. Insurance companies expect you to use due regard for yourself and your passengers while traveling in your vehicle. They’re also always looking for a way to save a buck or someone else to pin the blame on. Air bag systems replacement costs range in thousands of dollars, where seatbelt assemblies cost ranges in the hundreds. It may be your responsibility to foot the bill for the excess cost if you don’t use good common sense.
I get into a lot of other people’s cars. When I get in and find the steering wheel in the way, I think, “Wow, they don’t know…”. It has been some time ago since I wrote about airbags, pillows and boxing gloves. I said that if an airbag deploys and is fully inflated before your face hits it, it’s a pillow. If it is still inflating (in microseconds) and your face is in the way, it’s like a boxing glove. You might say it’s a little bit like a bomb in a bag.
My advice is to run the steering wheel as far forward (away from you) as you can. Make sure you are still able to maintain control comfortably. Wear your seatbelts at all times. Seatbelts Also, in case you haven’t watched the news in the last twenty years, all children under 12 years old should be rear seat passengers. Children 0-4 years and under 40 pounds should also be rear seat passengers in an approved child safety seat. Infants 0-1 year old in a safety seat appropriate for their size should be center rear seat and facing the rear window. Specially made booster seats are recommended for passengers up to the age of 6. Call your local Fire Department or EMS to obtain further direction on proper car seat placement and installation.
We’re much safer today due to increasing technology that helps protect drivers and passengers in the likely event of a crash. We are expected to apply their uses appropriately to save lives and to reduce injuries and disabilities.
