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In 1984, airbags became mandatory in all vehicles sold in the U.S. after 1989. Much of the world soon followed. Though the technology has been attributed to saving countless lives since then, some people have been burned by them, literally.
In the Australian new source, the Herald Sun, at least seven residents of Victoria have been burned by their vehicles' airbags as they inflated during accidents. The temperature of the gases that fill them can easily reach 500 Celsius or over 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting second degree burns were either caused by contact with the now-hot airbag or the gases themselves as the airbag deflated.
Concern, though, is still minimal. According to Michael Case, chief engineer for the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria, there's only a two percent chance of suffering such a burn. He did point out, though, that the technology continues to involve.
Our take? There's a balancing act here. While we sympathize with the burn victims, we suspect the injuries suffered without the airbags would have potential been more serious and even lethal.
Additional articles:
Car Air Bags Immobilizing Drivers, Passengers
Are Car Airbags Dangerous To Children?
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