Airbags: separate fact from fiction
Airbags have been saving lives for many years. But do you know all their secrets?
Answer these questions to find out.
TRUE OR FALSE
1. Airbags were designed solely to protect people from head injuries in the event of an impact.
2. You should keep at least 25 centimetres between your sternum and the steering wheel, which contains the airbag.
3. Drivers can choose to deactivate their airbags if they believe the system poses a risk to them or their passengers.
4. Using airbags and seat belts together reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 50% and serious chest injuries by 35%.
Answers
- False. Airbags prevent you from hitting your head on the steering wheel, dashboard, side windows, or door frame in a collision. However, they also protect the chest area.
- True. If you’re in an accident, sitting too close to the airbag can cause serious injury. If necessary, move your seat back, recline the seat back, or tilt the steering wheel slightly downward.
- True. For various reasons, some drivers may want to deactivate their airbags. If the airbags in your vehicle aren’t equipped with a manual or automatic deactivation system, you must obtain authorization from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). However, experts strongly discourage deactivating your airbags except in exceptional circumstances.
- False. According to SAAQ data, the percentages are 75% and 66%.
You can have your airbags checked by making an appointment at an M 360 Mechanic location in your area, depending on the services offered.