Advanced frontal air bags offer more sophisticated protection than standard air bags. They have improved safety features that adjust their deployment based on factors like the size, weight and seating position of the occupant.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that these air bags use sensors to detect whether to deploy with full or partial force, depending on the conditions of the crash and the individual in the seat. This helps prevent unnecessary force that can lead to injury, particularly in smaller or lighter passengers.
Unique features of advanced air bags
Advanced air bags differ from standard air bags in several important ways. While standard air bags deploy at full force regardless of the situation, advanced air bags assess various factors before deployment. The system measures seat occupancy, position and seatbelt use, and adjusts accordingly. In some cases, the air bag might not deploy if the system determines it would not be helpful or safe.
Advanced air bags also offer improved safety for younger passengers. According to the NHTSA, these air bags are not necessarily safe for children under 13 in the front seat, as a child’s size and position can still lead to injury from a deployed air bag. The safest place for children under 13 remains the back seat, properly restrained by seatbelts or child safety seats.
Are advanced air bags reusable?
All air bags, including advanced frontal air bags, are one-time-use items that are not reusable after they have deployed. They require replacement after a crash or accident. The NHTSA asserts that only authorized repair centers should replace air bags, and only using certified parts.
Failing to replace air bags after an accident may result in compromised safety in the event of another crash. Always have replacement work performed by authorized repair centers to ensure the vehicle’s safety features remain reliable and effective. This applies as much to advanced air bags as it does to all types of air bags used to increase vehicle safety.