Use air bags with caution
H. Kishie Singh

THE three-point seat belt which is now a mandatory fitment on every car in the country has been hailed as a life saver for years. Over the years tests have shown that this passive restraint safety system is one of the surest way to save life. Of course it had its limitations. So along came the air bag, a wonderful invention. The air bag is built into the steering wheel or dashboard. In case of an accident, it balloons out and prevents the driver or passenger being thrown against the steering or dashboard, and hurting themselves. On impact, the air bag deploys instantly. To achieve this deployment, there is an explosive device which throws out the air bag and inflates it. Then the air bag deflates almost as fast. There is a considerable amount of force required to inflate the air bag in a microsecond. It does slam into the driver or passenger with considerable force.

The first thing to remember about an air bag is that it works in conjunction with the three-point seat belts. So if you have a car equipped with an air bag, you must wear seat belts at all times. Without seat belts, in a collision if the air bag opens up, it will do more harm than good. Tests have shown this to be true.

Indian motorists are woefully ignorant about personal safety. Seat belts are considered an impediment to driving. But do keep in mind; a three-point seat belt is one of the most effective passive safety systems the auto industry has invented. The same may not be said about the air bag at this stage.

The second important point to remember is that the air bag is designed to open up and protect the chest. It is aimed at the chest: the chest of Americans and Europeans. The average height of these foreigners is more than the average height of Indians. Therefore, in the case of a smaller person, a slightly built lady or a child, the air bag opening up suddenly and with great force could again do more harm than good, for it could aim at the neck or the face. Some cars today have air bags on the side, built into doors and even the roof. The idea is to provide a soft cocoon for the occupants. A very good idea, provided you are the right size and wearing your 3-point seat belt.

There are experiments afoot by car manufacturers to have an air bag in the bonnet of the car. The purpose would be to provide a soft landing for the pedestrian/cyclist the car hits. In most such cases the initial damage is done by the first impact of the car. The pedestrian is then, more often than not thrown into the air and then comes crashing into the windscreen. An air bag in the bonnet would prevent this secondary impact and provide some protection to the pedestrian.

Truly a good and noble idea.

However, one question does spring up in the mind. When an air bag pops open on the bonnet, even for a fraction of a second, what would it do for the vision of the driver? The driver is already in a critical situation — after all he has just hit a person. To be blinded would lead to confusion and possible panic. Not really recommended or required in such a situation.

I am sure the manufacturer will sort out all such problems before you see these bags on the market.

Ford has announced its new world class car, the Mondeo, which will be available in India in December. This car has a New Intelligent Protection System, with front air bags that are deployed taking into consideration crash severity and driver plus passenger sitting position.

In the mean time rely on your seat belt. It is the best safety device fitted in your car. With roads getting smoother and cars getting faster, you need seat belts. The manufacturer provides them, use them.

Happy motoring!