When it comes to car safety features, airbags are arguably one of the most important innovations in modern automotive history. Although hidden and rarely seen, they play a major role in crucial moments when accidents occur.

In the past, airbags were only found in the front of the car, right next to the driver and front passenger. But over time, this protection system has evolved. Now, many cars are also equipped with side airbags, and some even have airbags in the back and between the front seats to protect passengers from impacts from various directions.

How Do Airbags Work?

Airbags are designed to inflate instantly when a car experiences a hard impact. Sensors in the front of the car detect extreme deceleration, which triggers a small heating mechanism that produces nitrogen gas. This gas fills the airbag, causing it to inflate in milliseconds.

When the driver's or passenger's head or body hits the airbag, the airbag absorbs the impact, preventing it from directly hitting the dashboard, steering wheel, or windshield. Rest assured, the nitrogen gas used is not toxic; it is actually part of the air we breathe every day.

Interesting Facts About Airbags

Since 1999, front airbags have been a mandatory feature in all new cars. Data shows that front airbag systems can reduce the risk of death for drivers by up to 29% and for front passengers by up to 32%.

Meanwhile, side airbags that protect the head area can reduce the risk of death from side impacts by 37% for regular cars and up to 52% for SUVs. It's no wonder that manufacturers continue to develop new types of airbags, such as rear and center airbags, for maximum protection.

But Remember, Airbags Are Not a Substitute for Seatbelts

Despite their important role, airbags cannot replace seatbelts. Airbags will only work effectively if passengers are wearing their seatbelts correctly.

This feature is also not always activated in every type of collision. For example, a minor rear-end collision is usually not strong enough to trigger the airbag system. So, never underestimate seat belts. They remain the first line of safety, while airbags serve as additional protection in truly critical situations.

Conclusion

Airbags are not a feature we often see in action, but that is precisely where their greatness lies. Quietly, they are ready to save lives when emergencies arise suddenly. So, in addition to ensuring that the airbags in your car are working properly, don't forget to always wear your seatbelt every time you drive, because safety can never be postponed.

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Cara Kerja dan Fungsi Airbag Mobil

Kalau bicara soal fitur keselamatan mobil, airbag bisa dibilang salah satu inovasi paling penting dalam sejarah otomotif modern. Walau tersembunyi dan jarang terlihat, benda ini punya peran besar saat momen krusial ketika kecelakaan terjadi.

Dulu, airbag cuma hadir di bagian depan mobil, tepat di sisi pengemudi dan penumpang depan. Tapi seiring waktu, sistem perlindungan ini makin berkembang. Sekarang, banyak mobil juga dilengkapi airbag samping, bahkan ada yang sampai ke belakang dan di antara kursi depan untuk melindungi penumpang dari berbagai arah benturan.

Gimana Sih Cara Kerja Airbag?

Airbag dirancang untuk mengembang dalam sekejap saat mobil mengalami benturan keras. Sensor di bagian depan mobil akan mendeteksi perlambatan ekstrem, lalu memicu mekanisme pemanas kecil yang menghasilkan gas nitrogen. Gas inilah yang mengisi kantong udara hingga mengembang dalam hitungan milidetik.

Ketika kepala atau tubuh pengemudi dan penumpang menghantam airbag, kantong udara akan menahan benturan agar tidak langsung mengenai dashboard, kemudi, atau kaca depan. Tenang, gas nitrogen yang dipakai bukan bahan beracun, gas ini justru merupakan bagian dari udara yang kita hirup sehari-hari.

Fakta Menarik Soal Airbag

Sejak tahun 1999, airbag depan sudah jadi fitur wajib di semua mobil baru. Data menunjukkan bahwa sistem airbag depan mampu menurunkan risiko kematian pengemudi hingga 29%, dan penumpang depan hingga 32%.

Sementara itu, airbag samping yang melindungi area kepala bisa menurunkan risiko kematian akibat benturan samping sebesar 37% untuk mobil biasa, dan bahkan sampai 52% untuk SUV. Nggak heran kalau pabrikan terus mengembangkan jenis airbag baru, seperti airbag belakang dan airbag tengah demi perlindungan yang makin maksimal.

Tapi Ingat, Airbag Bukan Pengganti Sabuk Pengaman

Meski punya peran penting, airbag bukan berarti bisa menggantikan fungsi sabuk pengaman. Airbag hanya akan bekerja efektif kalau penumpang sudah menggunakan seatbelt dengan benar.

Fitur ini juga tidak selalu aktif di setiap jenis benturan. Misalnya, tabrakan ringan dari belakang biasanya tidak cukup kuat untuk memicu sistem airbag. Jadi, jangan pernah remehkan sabuk pengaman. Ia tetap jadi garda pertama keselamatan, sementara airbag hadir sebagai pelindung tambahan saat kondisi benar-benar genting.

Kesimpulan

Airbag memang bukan fitur yang sering kita lihat bekerja, tapi justru di situlah kehebatannya. Diam-diam, ia siap menyelamatkan nyawa ketika situasi darurat datang tiba-tiba. Jadi, selain pastikan airbag di mobil berfungsi dengan baik, jangan lupa juga untuk selalu pakai sabuk pengaman setiap kali berkendara, karena keselamatan nggak pernah bisa ditunda.