06:15 07-11-2025

How to use airbags safely: seat belts, distance, children

Airbags rank among the most important advances in vehicle safety, yet misuse still ends in tragedy. In a collision, an airbag deploys in fractions of a second to soften the impact—but only in tandem with a seat belt. If the driver isn’t buckled, the bag essentially meets them at speed, causing severe injuries, according to auto expert Dmitry Novikov, who spoke to SPEEDME.RU. The seat belt remains the foundation; everything else only works around it.

Sitting incorrectly or too close to the steering wheel—less than 25 centimeters—also raises the risk. In that position, the airbag fires straight into the face with enough force to break bones. Specialists advise keeping a safe distance and holding the wheel at "10 and 2".

Extra care is critical for children: they must never ride in rear-facing seats when an airbag is active. These are the kinds of violations that most often end in tragedy.

Ultimately, the habit of relying on automation is what makes drivers vulnerable. An airbag isn’t a magic shield but a precise device that demands correct use. Follow a few simple rules, and it turns from a potential danger into a dependable ally on the road.