Airbags and Auto Safety

It wasn't until 1985 that the first airbags began appearing in cars. Seat Belts and shoulder restraints were not standard until the 1970s. The positive impact those two innovations have had on the reduction of spinal cord injuries cannot be underestimated. Motor vehicle accidents have accounted for more than a third of all reported cases of spinal cord injury, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Database.

Airbags have been controversial over the years because some people have been severely injured or killed from their deployment. Significant advancements have been made to airbags in recent years, resulting in greater safety. The important lesson is this: Always wear your seat belt and allow 10 inches between your breastbone and the steering wheel to prevent injury from airbag deployment. Children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat properly restrained. Children riding in the front passenger seat should sit as far bag from the airbag as possible.