At what speed does the airbag deploy?
2 Answers
Airbags deploy when the vehicle speed reaches 50 kilometers per hour. The airbag is an auxiliary configuration for passive vehicle safety, consisting of an airbag sensor, a collision airbag, and an electronic control device. It needs to be used in conjunction with seat belts to provide effective collision protection for occupants. Precautions for using airbags include: 1. Airbags must be used together with seat belts; 2. Maintain an appropriate distance from the airbag while driving; 3. Do not place items in front of, above, or near the airbag; 4. Develop good driving habits to ensure a certain distance between the chest and the steering wheel; 5. Avoid high temperatures, and the components of the airbag device should be properly stored; 6. Do not modify the airbag system or its surrounding layout without authorization.
Regarding the misconception about airbag deployment speed, I've always thought it's a common misunderstanding. Having driven for over a decade and experienced several minor accidents, my airbags have never deployed. In reality, airbags aren't triggered by vehicle speed alone but rather by the severity of the collision. For example, if you're driving slowly but hit a solid object with sufficient deceleration force, they'll deploy; whereas at high speeds with minor scrapes, they won't. Typically, sensors activate when detecting an equivalent impact severity of 12-15 km/h – similar to hitting a wall. The key is maintaining vehicle maintenance to ensure the airbag system functions properly, keeping safe distances while driving, and avoiding speeding. During accidents, speed isn't the sole criterion; deployment thresholds vary across car models, so don't expect airbags to deploy at any specific speed point.
