Automobile supplemental restraint system-induced injuries

Despite numerous case reports of restraint-associated injuries, including lethal injuries, the supplemental restraint system provides substantial safety benefits to drivers and passengers when properly used as intended in concert with the 3-point lap-shoulder belt. Many of the initial case reports of air bag-induced injuries were viewed with much skepticism. However, on careful review, the majority of the injuries reported in association with air bag deployment were proved to be caused by the restraint-given tell-tale physical and chemical evidence of such etiology. The need for special attention to the injury risks associated with unrestrained occupants, out-of-position adults, and children in front-passenger seats has been addressed by government traffic safety agencies, child safety seat manufacturers, and the automobile industry. In addition to numerous press releases addressing air bag safety concerns, all air bag-equipped vehicles have ample warning labels posted in highly visible locations, including the sun visors, headliners, and seat belt assemblies. Warning labels are also prominently displayed on child safety seats, recommending that infants and children not be placed in the front seats of air bag-equipped vehicles.25 Most recently, attention has been directed toward prevention of injuries to children and infants occupying rear seats of vehicles equipped with side-impact air bags. The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has advised manufacturers of vehicles so equipped to ship them with these side air bags deactivated unless the manufacturer has determined that they pose no significant risk to children.26 Automotive manufacturing engineers are currently focusing their attention on the design and implementation of "smart air bag" devices. These devices work in conjunction with a variety of sophisticated sensors within the front bumper and front seats of the vehicle. Adjustments in air bag deployment parameters given certain collision conditions and occupant characteristics would be the benefits of smart air bag technology. Adjustments in the inflation thresholds upward for minor collisions, reduction of deployment forces, or inactivation of the devices if seat sensors detect an occupant weighing less than a predetermined minimum safe weight are but a few of the current goals of this technology.20.