Further Protection for Occupants in Rollover Accidents
Side curtain airbags, also known as head curtain airbags, generally span the length of the cabin and provide head protection for outboard occupants in side-impact collisions. Side curtains also protect occupants in the event of a rollover, by helping to keep passengers inside the vehicle and from violently striking the interior of the vehicle. Most injuries and deaths in rollover accidents stem from ejection.
Side curtain airbags can prevent injury to the head and upper body in a rollover accident. Side airbags stay inflated longer than other airbags to compensate for what could be multiple vehicle rolls (5 seconds for 3 vehicle rolls).
Torso bags are also used by some auto manufacturers to protect the chest area, while the main side curtain airbags concentrate on the head.
Do They Really Help?
Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not have standards to control the design and performance of side curtain airbags, and tests have shown that they are not as effective if the occupant's head is not at least somewhat level with the vehicle's window, as they are designed to stop the occupant's head from striking the glass.
This also is a huge factor with children. Side curtain airbags may have little benefit for them, unless current designs are improved. The NHTSA only offers this guideline, "these airbags should not cause harm to occupants, regardless of their age, size and seating position — regardless of whether they are properly restrained."
Contact Miller Weisbrod
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rollover or roof collapse-related accident, contact Miller Weisbrod, LLP, for a free case assessment.
