Several different types of side airbags exist. The various types of side airbags each have different functions and protect different areas of the body. The major variations on the side airbag design include:
** Head Curtain Airbag: Deploys from roofline usually to cover some or all of side window. Even if these are installed for front seat occupants, they may not be present for rear seat passengers.
** Tubular Airbag: Deploys from roofline usually to cover some or all of side window. Not available for center seat passengers.
** Combination Airbag: Deploys from side of seat or door to protect head and chest.
** Rollover Airbag: Stays inflated longer than other airbags (for several seconds) and contains a sensor to detect incipient rollover wrecks. Designed to cover the whole side window when inflated.
** Torso Airbag: Deploys from side of seat or door panel to protect the chest. Often installed only for the front seats.
Controversy over the use of airbags persists because not all car occupants receive equal protection form airbags. Airbag deployment has also been tied to a number of injuries, some of which were serious or fatal. The NHTSA requirement for standard side airbags that begins to take effect in 2013 should standardize side airbag design somewhat. Statistics provide strong support for the use of side airbags to prevent injuries and fatalities from car wrecks, particularly rollover wrecks. But until new designs emerge that can account for the different ages, sizes and weights of all car occupants to protect them equally, controversy will probably continue regarding their use.Several different types of side airbags exist. The various types of side airbags each have different functions and protect different areas of the body. The major variations on the side airbag design include:
** Head Curtain Airbag: Deploys from roofline usually to cover some or all of side window. Even if these are installed for front seat occupants, they may not be present for rear seat passengers.
** Tubular Airbag: Deploys from roofline usually to cover some or all of side window. Not available for center seat passengers.
** Combination Airbag: Deploys from side of seat or door to protect head and chest.
** Rollover Airbag: Stays inflated longer than other airbags (for several seconds) and contains a sensor to detect incipient rollover wrecks. Designed to cover the whole side window when inflated.
** Torso Airbag: Deploys from side of seat or door panel to protect the chest. Often installed only for the front seats.
Controversy over the use of airbags persists because not all car occupants receive equal protection form airbags. Airbag deployment has also been tied to a number of injuries, some of which were serious or fatal. The NHTSA requirement for standard side airbags that begins to take effect in 2013 should standardize side airbag design somewhat. Statistics provide strong support for the use of side airbags to prevent injuries and fatalities from car wrecks, particularly rollover wrecks. But until new designs emerge that can account for the different ages, sizes and weights of all car occupants to protect them equally, controversy will probably continue regarding their use.