Airbags



In 2004, an estimated 2,647 lives were saved by air bags. From 1987 to 2004, a total of 16,905 lives were saved. The NHTSA estimates that the combination of an air bag in addition to a lap and shoulder belt reduces the risk of serious head injury by 81 percent, compared with 60 percent reduction for belts alone.

Nearly every new car and truck is equipped with air bags. Front impact collisions account for the majority of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths. Buy law, since 1998 all new passenger cars have been required to have driver and passenger air bags in the U.S. Front air bags are designed to reduce head and chest injuries. Front air bags are designed to work with seatbelts and will not restrain an occupant in side or rollover accidents.