Omega School Of Motoring
We Cover All Your Driving Needs
AIRBAGSAir bags were first introduced in vehicles in 1972.Airbags provides additional protection in frontal collisions at speeds faster than 12 m.p.h.
In a frontal collision, a computer sensor recognizes the sudden loss of speed and triggers an inflation mechanism.
Sodium
azide is released, reacting with the air to produce nitrogen, which fills the bag within one-tenth of a second after impact. In the new generation of air bags an explosive device is used to inflate the bag.
After deployment the bag immediately deflates and is empty after about 1 second.
LOCATIONAirbags are located in the steering wheel, if the vehicle is fitted with a passenger side bag it will be to the left of the instrument panel in the region of the glove box. Some expensive vehicles have airbags on all doors for side impact collision.
MATERIALAirbags are durable. An unused bag will last the life of the vehicle. Airbags do not contain poisonous gas .The gas that inflates the air bag (sodium
azide) generates nitrogen. Nitrogen makes up approximately 80% of the air we breathe.
INFLATIONAn accidental inflation is extremely rare; even if one occurred it would not be likely to cause the driver to lose control of his vehicle. Collisions under 12 m.p.h will not cause the bag to inflate.
INJURYAirbags inflate at a speed of over 200 m.p.h; due to this rapid inflation rate short people are more likely to be killed by the inflating bag, because they tend to sit closer to the steering wheel.
Since the risk zone for driver airbags is the first 2-3 inches of inflation, placing yourself 10 inches from your driver airbag provides you with a clear margin of safety. This distance is measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone.
Airbags deploying will not cause permanent hearing damage. In most tests the sound of the bag inflating cannot be heard over the sound of the collision.
USING AIRBAGS AND SAFETY BELTSPeople wrongly believe that that when airbags are fitted to their vehicle they do not have to wear a safety belt, Airbags should never be your sole means of protection.
Some collisions involve multiple impacts; the bag inflates for the first impact than deflates within one second, leaving you with no protection for the second impact,
always wears your safety belt. Airbags are not intended to work alone and offer additional protection NOT the only protection.they are not a substitute for safety belts, lap and shoulder belts MUST be worn also. Once an airbag has been deployed, it cannot be used again and must be replaced
Prepared by MartinP. Joseph
Driving Examiner