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How do you open an airbag in a car accident?

Just out of curiosity, how do airbags open in a car accident?

avatar
Will Baldwin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m glad you’re asking out of curiosity and not
due to your own accident
!
Airbags work by a carefully controlled explosion of air that inflates the airbag and pushes it out of the dashboard. They work automatically and have to open fast. For them to work to their fullest potential, they have to open up at over 200 miles per hour faster than a car can crash.
The goal is to cushion the impact and help reduce possible injuries. Because they rely on a fast explosion of air, people do sustain smaller injuries as a result of airbags, but it’s less common and less harmful than injuries sustained in a crash without an airbag.
Since you’re looking into how protecting yourself in car accidents work, you should also look into your current car insurance policy. Making sure you have the best coverage for a great price is an essential part of staying safe in your vehicle. Use the
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MORE: How to file a car accident claim report
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