We all know that air bags can save your life in a collision but there are some things you need to be aware of to ensure they do the job.

 

The rapid deceleration caused by a crash triggers the air bag. Nitrogen gas is rapidly produced and the bag inflates at a speed of more than 300 km/h (faster than the blink of an eye). The air bag must inflate this quickly because it has to be fully expanded at the time of impact so that it can cushion you as you are thrown forward into the dash or steering wheel.

 

Air bags also have vents, so they deflate immediately after absorbing the energy of an occupant. They cannot smother you and they don't restrict your movement. The "smoke" that is seen in the vehicle following the inflation of an air bag is the nontoxic starch or talc that is used to keep the insides of the air bag from sticking together. It is normal to see a smoke-like, powdery residue or smell the burnt repellant. Read your vehicle owner's guide for a more detailed description.

 

Air bags provide the best protection during severe crashes. However, they may also deploy in low-speed collisions (sometimes as low as 15 km/h).

 

It's not always easy to tell if you have an air bag but it is very important to know if you have one. Always check the vehicle owner's manual.

 

Air bags are not a replacement for seat belts

You must wear a seat belt. Air bags are designed to provide extra protection to belted adults.

By buckling up correctly, restrained occupants are held in position so direct contact with the air bag as it inflates is avoided.

 

Seat belts and child seats still give the best protection in all types of crashes.

 

Correct Seat Adjustment

Try making some adjustments to your seating position to get yourself or your passengers out of the air bag deployment zone.

 

Drivers

 

As a driver you must allow, at the very least, 25 cm (10") between your chest and the air bag unit in the steering wheel. Make sure to wear the lap/shoulder belt system, which will hold you in place.

 

If your chest is less than 25 cm (10") from the steering wheel and you can't adjust your seat to move further away, you are at high risk of serious injury.

 

Ask your dealer for advice and read the latest information on air bag deactivation to determine if you are eligible.

 

Passengers

 

The front passenger air bag is bigger than the driver's: passengers should buckle up and slide the seat as far back as possible to get maximum benefit from the air bag. Give the passenger air bag lots of room to inflate. Front seat passengers should sit as far back as is practical. Drivers of vehicles equipped with side air bags in the back seat should check the owner's manual for information about installing child seats. For safety's sake, children belong in the back seat despite the installation of side air bags.

 

Air Bags and Children

Kids and air bags are a deadly combination. Air bags deploy at more than 300 km/h - faster than you can blink. If an inflating air bag makes contact with an occupied rear-facing infant seat it can cause serious injuries and even death.

NEVER install a rear-facing infant seat in a passenger seat that has an air bag.

 

All children under 12 should always ride in the back seat.

 

You may want to consider using a second vehicle or having the air bag deactivated if:

• your vehicle has no back seat
• there are too many children for all to ride in the back
• If your child has a medical condition that requires monitoring and he or she must sit in the front seat, you should also have the air bag deactivated.

If deactivation is not an option, ensure that any toddler or older child sitting in the front seat is using a child seat appropriate for their weight and age and that the vehicle seat is moved as far back from the air bag as possible.

 

NEVER place a rear-facing infant seat in a vehicle seat equipped with an air-bag.

 

Air Bag Injuries

Air bags sometimes cause injuries because they inflate so rapidly and with such force. Most of these injuries are minor abrasions and bruises, but some can be serious or even fatal.

 

Anyone too close to the air bag when it deploys is at high risk of injury. The air bag must have room to deploy or inflate in order to provide the best protection.

 

People who sit too close to the air bag, such as shorter drivers, may be at risk of serious injury. Children are also extremely vulnerable because they are small. Bigger children are also at risk because they tend to move out of position (e.g., to change the radio station).

 

Minimizing your risk of injury is simply a matter of giving the air bag plenty or room to inflate.

 

Deactivating Air Bags

Deactivating an air bag actually means installing a switch that allows the air bag for the driver or passenger (or both) to be turned on and off. When the air bag is turned off, a warning light will come on, reminding drivers and passengers it's off. For example, pickups that only have front seats are manufactured with an on/off switch, to protect infants in rear-facing infant seats.

 

You must meet certain criteria (set out by Transport Canada) to be able to apply for air bag deactivation.

 

Who should consider deactivation?

 

The vast majority of people don't need an on/off switch and ICBC and Transport Canada do not recommend a wholesale disconnection of air bags. However, there are a few select cases where installing an on/off switch may be appropriate. Transport Canada has announced that Canadians may seek to have driver or passenger air bags deactivated.  

 

Courtesy ICBC