Vehicle airbags come in a variety of shapes and purposes. The most common standard airbag installs on the driver and passenger sides. Cars that are currently on the market, even in budget models, must be equipped with at least two airbags.
It also has airbags installed in various interior and exterior cabins such as side curtain airbags, knee airbags, front-seat side airbags, seat belt airbags, pedestrian airbags. And, most recently (2021), a luxury car from Europe has developed an airbag for the rear passengers. This airbag mounts on the back panel of the front seats. It will activate in the event of an accident. It uses a cushioning effect on the rear passengers to reduce the impact of the chest and face injuries on the front seats.
The airbags installed in these areas of the vehicle will only work when the relevant impact sensor is activated. A frontal collision may not trigger the side curtain airbags, as the purpose of this type of airbag is to protect passengers and drivers whose vehicles are hit by the side. But sometimes, it is activated if it is a frontal collision violent enough that the side sensors are triggered.
The curtain airbags also work when the car is turning over in an accident. The vehicle’s angle sensor signals the airbag control module to activate the airbags if the car’s angle exceeds the default value. In such a case, all airbags are activated at the same time to provide maximum protection.
The knee airbag is a new type of airbag installed in the cars under the steering column unit. The reason is that, in the event of a car crash, the collapse of the engine compartment will push the steering wheel unit towards the driver. The driver’s knee will injure from hitting the steering column or the plastic parts.
Seat belt airbags are airbags hidden within the seat belt straps for both the rear and front passengers. In the event of a severe collision, the seat belt slightly retracts to hold the passenger in the seat. This airbag is inflated from the belt to reduce chest injuries. It is very beneficial for rear passengers in most vehicles without front airbags.