Airbags are safety devices installed in vehicles that deploy rapidly during a collision to protect occupants from injury. They are designed to inflate in response to the force of a crash, creating a cushion that reduces the impact on passengers. Typically made of flexible fabric, airbags are located in various positions within a vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, side panels, or seatbelt. Their primary function is to prevent or mitigate head and body injuries by absorbing the energy of a collision and providing a barrier between the occupant and hard surfaces inside the vehicle. Airbags are part of a broader system of vehicle safety features, including seatbelts and crumple zones, and are required in many countries to enhance passenger safety during accidents.
Understanding the Takata Airbag Crisis A **significant safety issue** has emerged centered around Takata's airbags, which incorporated ammonium nitrate in the early 2000s. This chemical, while cost-effective, possesses a dangerous…