Study says new airbags may increase drivers’ risk of injury and death. What does this mean for Brownsville drivers?

Airbags are supposed to save lives and prevent serious injury in car crashes. But, a new report shows that the advanced airbags designed to better protect safety may not be as effective at protecting seatbelted drivers as older airbags.

Sophisticated computer technology means that today’s airbags can detect how much a driver weighs, where the driver is seated and how the seat is adjusted, if the driver is seatbelted, and the speed of impact. “Knowing” these factors determine how the airbag deploys and is supposed to offer more protection to the occupants of the car.

Older airbags were designed to protect an unbelted, 165-pound man. They often deployed with enough force to kill or seriously injure small adults or children sitting in the front passenger seat. The newer airbags are supposed to prevent this type of injury.

These “smart” airbags have been installed in cars since 2004 and have been standard in all vehicles since the 2007 model year. Use of the airbags in the driver’s seat and from passenger’s seat is mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

However, a recent study by researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that these new airbags may not be saving lives. In fact, there is a 21% increase in injuries and death to seatbelted drivers in vehicles equipped with the newer airbags.

Researchers believe the increase is due to the fact that airbags must be designed to protect both seatbelted and unbelted drivers as required by federal regulations. Airbags must deploy with enough power to protect an unbelted driver, but this force may be too much for a seatbelted driver. The IIHS argues that in order to prevent injury, airbags should be designed with the protection of the majority of drivers (those who wear seat belts) in mind.

Do not stop wearing your seatbelt. Seatbelts are the most important safety device in a vehicle and wearing a seat belt can save your life.

The Cowen Law Group represents victims of car accidents and commercial truck accidents throughout South Texas. Our offices are conveniently located in Brownsville, San Antonio, McAllen and Rio Grande City. If you have been in a traffic accident and need help getting compensation for your injuries, contact our office. We can help you fight for your right to a fair insurance settlement.

You can learn more by requesting our free book: The Insider’s Guide to Texas Cart Accident Cases.