How air bags work | Correct seat adjustment | Air bags & children | Air bag injuries | Deactivating air bags | Used cars with air bags
| Minimizing the risks | Changes to air bags |
"Smart" air bags are being developed to reduce the risk of injury to out-of-position drivers and passengers.
These air bags, referred to as "depowered" or "next generation" air bags, are available in many vehicles sold in Canada since 1998. Some of these air bags may have lower power to reduce the risk of injury from air bag inflation. However, the same safety rules must be followed: buckle up and give the air bag plenty of room to inflate.
Proximity sensors will also deactivate the air bag during a crash if an occupant falls asleep and slumps over the air bag unit. Sensors will prevent passenger side air bags from inflating when a rear-facing infant restraint is present or when the seat is unoccupied, thereby preventing an air bag-induced injury or unnecessary replacement costs.
Side air bags are appearing in certain newer Ford, Volvo, Lexus, Mercedes and Audi models. Audi has a total of six air bags, (two front and four side) where the speed of air bag deployment is linked to a sensor that determines if the seat is occupied and if the seatbelt is connected.
Side air bags are mounted on the edge of the seat, the pillar beside the seat, or on the door panel. Rollover curtains are mounted along the inside roof edge. They cover the side windows, protecting the occupants' head and/or upper body and preventing ejection from the vehicle.
BMW has tested head air bags that help protect the head, neck, arm, and hand from hitting the roof, door frame or side window.
