Airbags not deploying when they should put vehicle occupants, including the driver, at risk of suffering severe and life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common types of injuries a proper and timely deployment of airbags can prevent or minimize include:
Head and brain injuries. Without the cushioning effect of a deployed airbag, drivers and front-seat passengers are likely to experience traumatic head and brain injuries. These can range from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which might lead to long-term cognitive issues or even disability.
Facial injuries. The face is highly susceptible to injury when auto accidents occur. Broken noses, fractured jawbones, dental injuries, and lacerations can result when the face strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield without the protection of an airbag.
Neck and spinal injuries. The whipping motion of a car crash can cause whiplash, particularly if the head and neck are not supported. Without airbags, there is also a higher risk of vertebrae fractures or spinal cord injuries, which can lead to paralysis in severe cases.
Chest injuries. In the absence of deployed airbags, the chest area might absorb most of the impact during a collision, leading to broken ribs, punctured lungs, or cardiac contusions, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Abdominal injuries. Without the restraint of an airbag, the abdomen can be thrust forward into the steering wheel or dashboard, causing soft tissue injuries or damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys.
Upper and lower extremity injuries. Arm and leg injuries, including fractures, dislocations, and sprains, can occur as upper and lower extremities may flail or collide with the interior of the vehicle when airbags fail to deploy.
Statistically, front airbags are estimated to reduce driver fatalities by nearly 30 percent in frontal crashes, considered the deadliest type of collision on U.S. roads.