It seems odd that a vehicle safety feature can cause injuries but airbags can. Overall, they save lives every day, but they can also harm you in certain circumstances. The key is to take steps to prevent the airbag from hurting you in the event it does deploy. Fairfax Auto Repair suggests the following to avoid airbag injuries, which are particularly dangerous to little ones and pets.
Wear Seat Belts
Don’t ignore the need to buckle up before you hit the road, and make sure all of your passengers are buckled up, too. There’s no excuse for refusing to wear a seat belt these days. They stop forward motion if you get into an accident which will prevent you from hitting your airbag too hard. If you don’t have your seatbelt fastened, you’ll hit the airbag at very high speeds and increase facial and chest injuries.
Scoot Your Seat Back
Move your driver’s seat back as far as you can while still making it easy to reach your foot pedals comfortably. You should be no closer than 10 inches from your steering wheel. This distance prevents the airbag from hitting you in the face when it deploys and gives your seatbelt time to stop your forward motion. As mentioned, the closer you are the more injury to your face, neck, and chest.
Kids in the Back
No matter what your state law says, do not let your children ride in the front seat unless they are 12 years old or older. Don’t fasten your pet carriers in the front seat either. Make certain the kids and pets are buckled up in the back seat and that your toddlers are secured properly in their child seats. Airbags deploy with incredible force and they can kill your children or pets, so seat them away from them.
Maintain Your Airbags
If you are in an accident – we hope not – and your airbag deploys, or if your airbag warning light comes on, swing by Fairfax Auto Repair immediately. Once the airbag has deployed it needs to be reset properly or replaced. If there is a problem with your airbag, it might deploy even if you aren’t in an accident. Don’t take chances. Make sure your airbags keep you safe by being safe themselves.
Located in Fairfax, VA, Fairfax Auto Repair inspects and resets airbags. Our number is 703-822-5911, and we’d be happy to inspect your airbag system to make sure it’s ready to save your life in the event of an automobile accident.
