Can You Drive a Car With Airbags Deployed?

Airbags are an essential safety feature in cars, and it is to protect drivers and passengers in the event of a collision. However, a question many drivers have is: can you drive a car with airbags deployed?

Yes, you can drive a car with airbags deployed; however, it is not advisable. Airbags are a safety precaution in case of an accident, and once it is activated, they can no longer protect you.

This article will explore the dangers of driving a car with deployed airbags. Let’s get started.

What are Airbags?

Airbags are one of the essential safety features in modern vehicles. They are to deploy in the event of a collision, providing an extra layer of protection for occupants.

Airbags come in different types and serve other purposes. Side airbags are behind the doors, and they protect passengers from being injured by impact with the vehicle’s frame.

Front airbags are in the steering wheel and dashboard, and they help protect the driver and front passenger from head and chest injuries. Knee airbags are underneath the dashboard, and they help protect the knees and legs from damage in a collision.

Inflatable seat belts are newer airbags designed to reduce the impact force on occupants in a crash. They work by inflating around the passenger’s waist and shoulders, spreading the influence of the collision over a larger area.

What are Deployed Airbags?

An airbag is a vehicle safety device considered an active restraint system. A deployed airbag provides occupant protection by a Supplementary Restraint System (SRS), reducing the forward movement of an occupant during a frontal collision.

The advanced design of modern vehicles has resulted in the more effective use of sensors and Electronic Control Units (ECU) to determine if and when to deploy an airbag.

Several ECUs constantly monitor different areas of the vehicle for impact. If an effect is severe enough, one or more airbags will activate automatically. Most passenger vehicles have dual-stage inflators that deploy airbags with different inflation levels depending on the severity of the crash.

Can You Drive a Car With Airbags Deployed?

So, can you drive a car with airbags deployed? Yes, but it is not advisable. Here is why;

First and foremost, once an airbag is activated, it can no longer protect you in the event of another collision.

• Secondly, driving a car with deployed airbags can be dangerous because the airbags can obstruct your view of the road.
• And finally, driving a car with deployed airbags can cause further damage to the vehicle.

As a result, while you can technically drive a car with airbags deployed, we do not recommend it. If you have been in an accident and your airbags have deployed, it is best to tow your car to a nearby service station or dealership.

Benefits of Car Airbags

Airbag Reduces Injuries

Airbags are effective in reducing injuries and fatalities in frontal crashes. When an airbag deploys, it instantly inflates, providing a cushion that helps absorb the collision’s impact.

Airbag Prevent Injuries

Airbags can help prevent serious injuries, such as broken bones and head injuries. The car will not hit the passengers or objects on the road by staying inside the vehicle. Airbags have also improved safety for rear-seat passengers.

Airbag Protects Head and Torso Injuries

In a side-impact collision, airbags can help to protect against head and torso injuries. In addition, some newer vehicles come with airbags that deploy in rollover accidents.

Airbags Protect Cushion Occupants

These airbags help cushion occupants and prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle. Overall, airbags are a highly effective safety feature that can reduce injuries and fatalities in various accidents.

Dangers of Driving a Car with Airbags Deployed

Here are the dangers of driving a car with airbags deployed;

• The main risk of driving a car with airbags deployed is that they can no longer protect you in an accident.
• Another danger is that the airbags can deploy while driving, which can be extremely dangerous.
• If an airbag deploys while driving, it can obstruct your road view and make it difficult to control the car.
• Deployed airbags can lead to a severe accident. Additionally, if you are in an accident and your airbags deploy, it is crucial to have your car towed to a nearby service station or dealership.

Driving a car with deployed airbags can cause further damage to the vehicle and may void your warranty.

Overall, while you can technically drive a car with airbags deployed, it is not something that we would recommend. If you have been in an accident and your airbags have deployed, it is best to tow your car to a nearby service station or dealership.

Airbag Replacement Cost

The average cost of replacing an airbag is around $1,000 to 5000. This includes the cost of the airbag itself and the labor involved in installing it. The cost of returning an airbag can vary depending on the type of vehicle you have and the accident’s severity.

In some cases, insurance companies may cover the cost of replacing an airbag. However, if you’re responsible for paying out of pocket, you may be facing a significant expense.

Is It Illegal to Drive a Car with a Deployed Airbag?

In the United States, it is illegal to drive a car with a deployed airbag. According to federal law of the United State, all passenger vehicles must have working airbags before driving on public roads. Driving a vehicle with a deployed airbag is dangerous and can result in serious injuries or even death.

Therefore, if your airbag has been deployed, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to have it repaired. Depending on the severity of the deployment, the repair could be as simple as replacing a sensing unit or deploying a new airbag.

After repairing it, a certified technician will inspect your car to ensure safe driving. Depending on your state’s laws, this inspection may need to be performed by a state-licensed mechanic.

Conclusion

Yes, you can drive a car with deployed airbags. However, it is not advisable as it can cause further damage to the vehicle and may be dangerous. If you must drive with deployed airbags, drive carefully.

If possible, have someone else in the car with you to help keep an eye on things. Most importantly, fix the car as soon as possible to replace the airbags properly.