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.

The 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 be asking "do airbags release smoke?" Apart from some smoke being discharged from the inflation charge, the airbag unit is coated in a talc-like powder, and why do airbags have 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 airbags 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.

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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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