Anything in the path of a deploying airbag can easily become a missile of destruction in a crash. Add-on equipment in the zone may also negatively affect the inflation characteristics of the airbag, thus reducing the effectiveness of the airbag. Once again, a passenger could be unnecessarily injured. Because rear-facing infant seats extend into the airbag zone, an inflating airbag can strike the seat causing a child to be seriously injured or even killed. It is also important for taxi operators and passengers to wear their safety belts in airbag-equipped cars.
Safety belts help keep front seat occupants away from the airbag module during deployment.
Very close or direct contact with an airbag module during deployment can cause serious or fatal injury. Taxi operators with specific questions about their vehicle's airbag zones should contact the vehicle manufacturer. ACTS is a non-profit organization funded by automobile manufacturers and suppliers that provides public education on automobile safety technology and traffic safety issues.