Is Airbag Deployment Considered a Major Accident?
4 Answers
Airbag deployment is considered a major accident, as airbags do not deploy unless the accident is severe. Experiments show that for the main steering wheel airbag to deploy, a collision must occur within a 60-degree frontal angle at a speed of at least 50 km/h, generating a deceleration force exceeding 40g to trigger the airbag properly. Introduction to airbags: 1. Airbags mainly consist of sensors, the airbag itself, and an electronic control unit. 2. The airbag system is a passive safety protection system that, when used in conjunction with seat belts, provides effective collision protection for occupants. In a car collision, airbags can reduce head injury rates by 25% and facial injury rates by approximately 80%.
Deployed airbags usually indicate a major accident, as they only trigger in severe collisions, such as frontal impacts at speeds exceeding 20-30 km/h. The vehicle may have suffered body deformation or frame damage, which compromises safety and value. When repairing, replacing just the airbags isn't enough—seatbelt pretensioners, sensors, and overall structure must also be inspected; otherwise, they may fail in the next accident. When buying a used car, be cautious if you see airbag deployment records: check repair reports and accident certificates to avoid problematic purchases. Regularly inspect safety systems while driving to prevent issues proactively.
Airbag deployment is generally considered a sign of a major accident, as its designed trigger condition is high-speed collision with force sufficient to endanger passenger safety. Post-accident vehicles often require major repairs: the airbag module needs complete replacement at considerable cost; the body may suffer compression deformation, affecting driving stability. However, it shouldn't be oversimplified—minor bumps can sometimes trigger false deployment, while the real risk lies in hidden damage like loose suspension. My advice is to have a professional shop conduct a comprehensive inspection after an accident to ensure proper reset of electrical systems and airbags, avoiding potential hazards. Safety comes first—don't cut corners for cheap fixes.
Airbag deployment often indicates a severe accident, as it only activates during high-impact collisions to protect occupants. The vehicle may have suffered body deformation, with potential damage to the chassis or engine systems. When purchasing used cars, this record serves as a red flag: I always check maintenance files to confirm no structural damage exists. Otherwise, driving such vehicles poses significant risks, including unresponsive steering or abnormal braking. Routine maintenance should prioritize airbag module inspections to prevent unexpected failures.
