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Automobile supplemental restraint system-induced injuries

2002; Elsevier BV; Volume: 94; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1067/moe.2002.121707

1528-395X

Barry C. Boyd,

Pregnancy-related medical research

Since their introduction and widespread installation in domestic and foreign vehicles, inflatable supplemental restraint systems—more commonly termed air bags—have played a significant role in the reduction of severe and fatal traffic accident-related injuries. When used properly, as a supplement to the 3-point lap-shoulder belt restraint, air bags afford significant reduction in head, facial, and thoracic injuries. However, since their introduction to automobile fleets, numerous air bag-related injuries have been encountered and reported in the literature. A variety of serious nonfatal and fatal injuries have been reported in “out-of-position” drivers, often of small stature, requiring seat adjustments to far-forward positions in proximity to the air bag assembly. In addition, several severe and often fatal injuries have been reported in infants and small children occupying front passenger seats in vehicles equipped with passenger air bags. This article reviews air bag activation and injuries associated with air bag deployment in motor vehicle collisions, in addition to current safety regulations regarding air bag safety and future research on safe air bag technological advances needed.