Dear Motor Medics,
I have a general question about air bag safety. I heard you talking on a recent episode of “Under The Hood” about the testing of air bags and how they may be tested differently in America and in overseas markets. The difference was in America they are tested
with the use of a seat belt and overseas possibly without.
I have never had an airbag deploy in my vehicle and I don’t look forward to ever having it occur, but I want to know what to expect if it does and what I can do to prevent injury.
Personally, I would rather not have airbags in my cars, but it doesn’t look like they are going away.
What is your take on people who ride with their feet on the dash or a pet in their laps?
Dear Mike,
Air bags are great inventions that have saved many lives but if misused they can cause severe injury.
Every car made has a guide for proper air bag use printed in the owner’s manual and it needs to be followed. Proper distance between you and the airbag is crucial as well as seat belt use. Follow the guidelines in the manual and never place anything between you and the airbag. Anything placed in this zone will become a projectile, including a pet and is extremely dangerous.
As for feet on the dash, an inflating air bag can cause irreparable damage to them.
Take care,
The Motor Medics
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