Airbag Technology Still Lagging
2009 April 13
An article by the Chicago Tribune today detailed a problem with the current airbag technology. This referenced technology is often referred to as smart technology for its ability to differentiate between occupants and activate or deactivate an airbag system accordingly. The smart technology was most likely developed to decrease the incidence of injuries and deaths to children or smaller people as a result of airbag deployment. That article points out:
The new, smarter front-passenger air bags were first installed in 2004 models to prevent injuries and deaths in young children and small women from bags that deployed at a force meant to protect an unbelted, 165-pound man. But the bags may not always deploy when they should—or may when they should not. So some passengers once again are vulnerable, in cars that run the gamut of manufacturers, including General Motors, Hyundai, BMW, Ford and Nissan.The smart systems, in all passenger vehicles starting with 2007 models, are designed to tell the front air bag whether to deploy, and in some systems how forcefully to deploy, based on the weight of the passenger. To determine that, some systems use bladders filled with gel; others use a mat in the seat. Both are geared to tell the air bag controller not to deploy when the passenger weighs less than 105 pounds. For a number of reasons, however, that’s not always happening.
The article goes on to state that it does not appear many people have been injured or killed as a result of these problems. However, those quoted in the article admit that it is a very real possibility this problem could lead to a serious injury or death.
