The Airbag

An airbag is a safety device hidden inside a car's steering wheel and dashboard. During a crash, it pops open in a split second. The soft cushion of air protects the driver and passengers from getting hurt.

How Airbags Were Invented

The idea for airbags came about in the 1950s. Engineers wanted a way to protect people in car crashes. Early airbags did not work very well, and it took many years to make them reliable.

By the 1990s, airbags became standard in most new cars. Laws were passed requiring them in all cars sold in the United States. Airbags have saved tens of thousands of lives since then.

How Airbags Work

An airbag inflates incredibly fast. Sensors in the car detect a crash. In just 1/25 of a second, the airbag fills up with gas and pops out of the steering wheel or dashboard.

The airbag acts like a big pillow that catches you before you hit the hard parts of the car. After catching you, it deflates quickly. Most modern cars have airbags in the front, sides, and even the ceiling.

Fun Facts

• An airbag inflates in about 1/25 of a second, faster than the blink of an eye.
• Airbags have saved over 50,000 lives since they became common in cars.
• Some modern cars have as many as 10 or more airbags.

Did You Know?

An airbag inflates so fast that it reaches a speed of about 200 miles per hour as it comes out of the dashboard.