How Important Are Seatbelts and Airbags in Cars with Extensive Safety Features?

An Insight

Safety features in modern cars have come a long way since the invention and discovery of transportation and automobiles. There are several features in a modern vehicle that aid in saving lives when in an accident. The two major contributors to saving lives when in a collision are seatbelts and airbags.

Many people fail to realize that these two safety features work alongside when it comes to saving lives in a collision. Research explains how you can use a seatbelt by itself but never an airbag in itself because an airbag works only if you wear a seatbelt.

Life-Saving Combination

The seatbelt is the primary safety device in a vehicle. The seatbelt holds you in place and prevents ejection from the vehicle when in a collision. The device holds you tightly to the seat and stops impact with the other parts of the vehicle from within. The airbag on the other hand is a secondary safety device. It works alongside the seatbelt to cushion you and reduce the impact of the collision.

Importance of Both

It is commonly misunderstood as to why both these safety devices must be used and worn together and not individually. In some cars, the airbags work only if you wear the seatbelt. Therefore, in such cars, you must wear a seatbelt – a few of them even have sensors and alarms if you don’t wear the seatbelt. In some cars, if you don’t wear a seatbelt and the airbags deploy at the time of a collision, you will crash into them and can end up with serious injuries. It is dangerous in itself. The seatbelt stops you from hitting the airbag as it deploys if you wear the same. The seatbelt ensures that you are not hit at full force and provides proper cushioning when in an accident.

Advantages of Wearing Seatbelts

Safeguards You in Position

If you are in a collision or an accident, your seatbelt will hold you in the right position and minimize the impact that could cause fatal injuries.

Prevents Ejection

Most often, ejection or falling out of the vehicle causes most of the fatalities during an accident. The seatbelt will keep you inside the car even during an accident.

Distributes Impact Force

The shoulder and lap belt will distribute the impact of the force of the hit over the strongest parts of your body. It is less likely to cause an impact on major parts of yourself like the head, chest, or abdomen if you are wearing a seatbelt properly.

Helps Your Body Match the Speed of Your Vehicle

If you are not wearing a seatbelt, your body will continue moving at the same speed as your vehicle at the time of collision. Depending on the nature of the crash, you could hit your head or body on the steering wheel, dashboard, or the side window and the impact can be fatal. Wearing a seatbelt keeps you safe and secures you to your seat, keeping you safe.

Protects Your Brain and Spine

Brain injuries are common when in an accident, especially if you do not buckle up. Wearing your seatbelt can help you from fatal head injuries by opening up the airbags and keeping you put in your seat.

Combining Seatbelts with Other Safety Features

Even if you own and drive a car with exceptional safety features, you must wear your seatbelt. The seatbelts are the primary feature when it comes to safety packages in a car. Your car’s safety rating is based on tests that utilize all available safety devices including the seatbelts.

It is rather wrong for some people to think that airbags and lane departure warnings can replace seatbelts. However, airbags are designed to work alongside seatbelts in most cars. They are not a substitute, but rather a package together. Using seatbelts along with the car’s other safety features results in optimum protection.

Cars with Airbags and Quality Seatbelts in India

• Tata Altroz
• Mahindra XUV700
• Hyundai Creta
• Maruti Suzuki Baleno
• Honda City
• Ford EcoSport
• Volkswagen Polo
• Toyota Innova Crysta
• Nissan Magnite
• Kia Seltos

Top Tier Cars with Quality Airbags and Seatbelts in India

• Toyota Fortuner
• Audi A6
• BMW X5
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Passat, Volkswagen

Wrapping Up

To end on a good note, airbags have revolutionized vehicle safety by acting as a necessary safety net during accidents. Their widespread integration into the latest cars reflects the automotive industry’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of both the drivers and passengers. The continued advancement of airbag technology including dual-front, side, curtain, and specialized airbags, underscores the industry's devotion to minimizing injury severity and saving lives. It's supreme for customers to opt for vehicles equipped with advanced airbag systems and seatbelts, aligning to create a safer road environment and driving experience.