Abstract
A study of all passenger vehicle fatality accidents in the USA in 1990-2000 in which driver airbags were present and where front passengers could be compared with drivers was conducted. Relative risk of death within 30 days of an accident was reduced by air bag deployment whether or not seat belts were worn. Airbags provided greater protection of female than of male drivers. Safety belt usage also reduced risk of death and the risk was lowest with both safety belts and air bags. The average risk of death was reduced by 8% by an air bag but safety belts offered much greater protection than air bags.