What is the function of airbags in a vehicle?

Airbags are designed to provide a cushion during a crash, which significantly enhances passenger safety. When a collision occurs, airbags quickly inflate to create a protective barrier between the occupants of the vehicle and hard surfaces within the interior, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, and windows. This cushioning effect helps to reduce the risk of serious injuries by absorbing some of the impact forces that would otherwise be transferred to the occupants.

The rapid deployment of the airbags occurs in a fraction of a second, and this timely reaction is critical in mitigating the potential for injury during a high-impact collision. While modern vehicles may incorporate many safety features, the primary role of airbags is centered around injury prevention during an accident, highlighting the importance of this technology in modern automotive design.