What Happens When An Airbag Goes Off

Everyone should understand the consequences of the 'mini explosion,' that accompanies airbag deployment, says the UK's road safety champion GEM Motoring Assist (GEM).

GEM campaigns for the safety of all road users. While the organisation strives to prevent incidents from happening in the first place, it believes that drivers benefit from knowing how emergency safety features react.

GEM confirms that the steering-wheel-mounted airbag is an invaluable aid to prevent serious injuries but only when used in conjunction with a seat belt. Yet, our members report additional stress from being unaware of what to expect when an airbag deploys in an emergency.

A real-world tale

GEM member, Matt Day, reveals his first-hand experience of his steering wheel airbag going off, during a non-fault incident. He explains:

“We were thankful for the extremely fast deployment of the airbags”.

However, Matt recalls that the experience was not like being protected by a soft, cuddly pillow. He remembered that,

“I could sense the car filling rapidly with smoke and my initial reaction was to get out. I screamed at my wife to get out, too.”

He says that this instinct could cause problems, because:

“In a situation where you might be best off not moving at all, especially if you are injured, your first reaction is to try and get out of the car”.

What happens when an airbag goes off?

GEM agrees but confirms the chances of a car catching fire are low. Therefore, it recommends that badly injured occupants should not move, until the emergency services have arrived.

Airbags deploy using a pyrotechnic charge, to inflate the material rapidly, so it bursts from the steering wheel boss within milliseconds - but in a controlled manner. While airbags are safety devices, it is possible to incur minor injuries.

The loud bang can affect your hearing in the short term, although permanent harm is unlikely. As your body contacts the airbag, it then deflates.

You may wonder: "Do airbags release smoke?"

Apart from some smoke being discharged from the inflation charge, the airbag unit is coated in a talc-like powder. This is to stop it from adhering to the inside of the steering wheel. Be wary of confusing this smoke and dust for an actual fire.

Consider also that motorcars employ a multiple airbag safety system, from those that protect your knees to those mounted just above the doors. These work in similar ways to those fitted to within the steering wheel on cars for the last 30 years.

Common Misconceptions About Airbags

Airbags are a critical safety feature in today’s vehicles, and have been installed in the vast majority of new cars sold in the UK since 2003. But there are several common misconceptions about how they work, their limitations, and their overall role in keeping you and your passengers safe. To set the record straight, here’s a breakdown of some of these misconceptions - and the facts.

Misconception: Airbags Alone Are Enough to Protect You in a Crash

In reality, airbags are designed to work in conjunction with seatbelts, not as a standalone safety feature. Seatbelts keep you in a certain position so you will gain maximum benefit from the airbag’s protection.

Without a seatbelt being used, you could be thrown forward or out of position, reducing the airbag’s effectiveness. This might also increase the risk of injury (see below).

Misconception: Airbags Always Deploy in a Crash

Actually, airbags only deploy in moderate to severe frontal or near-frontal collisions (or side collisions in relation to side airbags). Airbags are not designed to deploy in minor crashes, rear-end collisions, or rollovers - unless very specific conditions are met.

Special sensors are able to determine the severity of the crash - and whether deployment is necessary. As you might expect, airbags must be replaced after being deployed, so it would be problematic and costly if they deployed in minor situations.

Misconception: Airbags Are Soft and Pillow-Like

This is not true. In fact, airbags inflate with tremendous force and speed (up to 200 mph) so that they are able to protect you in milliseconds.

While they are designed to cushion your impact, due to their speed-of-deployment, they can still cause injuries, especially if you’re too close to the airbag when it deploys. This is why it’s important to sit at least 10 inches (25cm) away from the steering wheel, dashboard, or seatback (for rear airbags).

Misconception: Airbags Are Harmless to Children

Unfortunately it is possible for airbags to be dangerous for children, especially those in rear-facing car seats or sitting in the front seat. The force of an airbag deployment can cause serious injuries - or even death to small children. Always place children aged 12 and under in the back seat - and use car seats or boosters that are appropriate to their age group.

Misconception: Airbags Don’t Need Maintenance

While airbags don’t need regular maintenance like oil changes, they are part of a complex system that includes sensors and wiring. If your airbag warning light is on, it indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. Ignoring it could mean the airbags won’t deploy when needed, which could obviously put you and your passengers at risk.

Misconception: Airbags Make Seatbelts Unnecessary

Airbags are a supplemental restraint system (SRS), meaning they are meant to enhance the protection provided by seatbelts - not replace them. In fact, as mentioned, airbags can be dangerous if you’re not wearing a seatbelt, as you could be thrown into the deploying airbag at high speed.

Misconception: All Airbags Are the Same

There are different types of airbags designed for specific types of collisions and occupant protection:

● Frontal airbags: These protect against head and chest injuries in frontal crashes.

● Side airbags: These protect against side-impact collisions.

● Curtain airbags: These are deployed from the roof to protect heads in side impacts or rollovers.

● Knee airbags: These are designed to protect the driver’s knees and legs in frontal collisions.

Misconception: Airbags Can’t Cause Injuries

While airbags undeniably save lives, they can also cause injuries, such as:

● Abrasions or burns from the force of deployment.

● Eye injuries or hearing damage due to the loud noise, and rapid inflation.

● Broken bones or internal injuries if you’re too close to the airbag when it deploys.

However, these injuries are typically less severe than those that would occur without airbags.

Misconception: Airbags Deploy Too Late to Be Effective

Airbags are designed to deploy within 20–30 milliseconds of a crash. This rapid response is critical for protecting occupants during the initial impact. The system’s sensors and algorithms are highly sophisticated to ensure timely deployment. Decades of development have made airbags extremely effective.

Misconception: Airbags Are Only in the Front of the Vehicle

Today’s vehicles often have multiple airbags, including:

● Front airbags (for driver and passenger).

● Side airbags (for torso and curtain).

● Knee airbags.

● Rear airbags (installed in some luxury vehicles).

These provide comprehensive protection in various types of collisions.

Misconception: Airbags Are Expensive to Replace After Deployment

While it is true that airbag replacement can be costly, it’s a necessary expense after a crash. Thankfully, most insurance policies cover airbag replacement as part of collision repair. Driving without functional airbags significantly reduces your safety in the event of another crash.

Misconception: Airbags Are Only for High-Speed Crashes

Airbags can deploy in crashes at speeds as low as 10–15 mph, depending on the severity and the angle of the impact. They are designed to protect occupants in a wide range of collision scenarios. The system’s many sensors ensure that deployment only occurs when strictly necessary (although errors can happen).

Key Takeaways

● Airbags are a powerful supplemental safety feature, and work best when used in conjunction with seatbelts.

● They are not foolproof and can cause injuries - but the benefits far outweigh the risks.

● Proper seating position and child safety practices are essential to maximise airbag effectiveness in case of deployment.

● If your airbag warning light is on, have the system inspected by a trained professional immediately.

Airbags: Post-deployment steps

If one or more of your car’s airbags have deployed, check yourself and passengers for any injuries. The process of airbag deployment can cause burns, abrasions, or other injuries due to the force and chemicals involved.

If the vehicle is still running, turn off the engine to reduce the risk of fire or further damage. You should then exit if it is safe to do so, then move away from traffic. Your next step is to contact emergency services to report the accident - and request medical assistance if needed.

Note that a vehicle with deployed airbags is not safe to drive. The airbag system is compromised, and other safety features may also be affected. Look out for signs of fire, smoke, or leaking fluids (e.g. fuel, oil, coolant).

If you notice any, move away from the vehicle immediately. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the vehicle, the deployed airbags, and the surrounding area - these can then be used for insurance and legal purposes.

You should then report the accident and airbag deployment to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Contact your breakdown provider, or otherwise arrange to have the vehicle towed to a garage or dealership for inspection.

Do not attempt to drive it. Your vehicle should be inspected for any other signs of damage.

Your car’s airbag system must then be replaced and reset by a professional.

Work with your insurer to determine what coverage you have for these costs.

FAQs

How can I tell if my airbag system is faulty?

If you notice any of the following warning signs, your airbags may have developed a fault. You should take your vehicle to a trained mechanic and have it inspected as soon as you can.

Airbag Warning Light: The airbag warning light (usually an icon featuring a person with an airbag) on your dashboard stays illuminated after starting the vehicle, or flashes intermittently. This is the most common and obvious sign that you have an issue with your airbag system.

Unusual Noises: Strange clicking or tapping noises coming from the steering wheel, dashboard, or seats could mean you have a malfunctioning airbag sensor or module.

Physical Damage: Visible damage to the steering wheel, dashboard, or seats (where airbags are housed) could impact the effectiveness of the airbag system. Past accidents or poorly-effected repairs could cause the system to fail to deploy.

Faulty Sensors: If the airbag warning light comes on after hitting a bump or during your normal driving routine, you might have a faulty sensor.

Previous Airbag Deployment: If the airbags have deployed in the past but were not properly replaced or reset, the system may not function as it should.

Electrical Issues: Problems with the vehicle’s electrical system (e.g. blown fuses and wiring issues) can interfere with your car’s airbag system.

Recalls or Known Issues: Check if your vehicle is subject to any recalls related to the airbag system (e.g. the Takata airbag recalls of 2014 and 2019). If you think faulty airbags may have been installed in your vehicle, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on what to do next.

Error Codes: A diagnostic scan using an OBD-II scanner may reveal error codes related to the airbag system (e.g. codes starting with "B" for body-related issues). However, this is something that a trained mechanic is likely to pick up, since they have the relevant equipment.

Are there age or height restrictions for passengers in the front seat?

Yes, there are height restrictions for passengers sitting in the front seat. In the UK, children must use a car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall (whichever comes first). It is recommended that any children under 12 sit in the back seat if possible.

Whenever possible, children under 12 should sit in the back seat with a car seat or booster appropriate to their age. This is the safest place for them in the event of a crash.

Can airbags deploy without a collision?

Yes, airbags can deploy for reasons other than a collision.

There are a number of possible causes of unintended airbag deployment, including:

Electrical or Sensor Malfunctions: Faulty wiring, short circuits, or defective sensors can send incorrect signals to the airbag control module, which can trigger deployment. Additionally, water damage or corrosion in the electrical system can also cause malfunctions and errors.

Software Glitches: This is more common in older vehicles or those with outdated software, but can happen in newer vehicles, too.

Manufacturing Defects: For example, the Takata airbag recalls of 2014 eventually involved 100 million defective inflators that could deploy explosively or without cause.

Improper Repairs or Modifications: The effects of incorrect installation or repairs to the airbag system (e.g. after a previous deployment) can lead to unintended activation. In addition, aftermarket modifications to the vehicle’s electrical system or suspension can also interfere with the airbag system, potentially triggering an unintended activation.

Environmental Factors: Heavy or extreme vibrations, such as driving on very rough terrain, might trigger the airbag sensors. High temperatures or exposure to fire might also cause the airbag inflator to activate.

Impact/Damage from Tools or Equipment: During repairs or maintenance, accidental impacts to airbag sensors or modules (such as using a hammer near the sensor) could cause deployment.

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GEM Motoring Assist is a members’ motoring and road safety organisation in the UK. Our aim is to keep our members on the move… whether that’s through our breakdown recovery service or our motoring and road safety expertise.

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