This study uses data from the Crashworthiness Data System (CDS) to examine the relationships among crash severity, accident type, and the deployment of airbags. The population of occupants exposed to deploying airbags is also examined and characterized by age, height, belt use, and severity of injury. Results show that: (1) a substantial number of airbag deployments occur at less than 10 mph delta-V (speed change); (2) for accidents with delta-V less than 20 mph, the risk of minor injury is greater when airbags deploy than when they do not; and (3) that airbag deployment in lower-severity crashes is associated with a higher risk of minor injury for restrained occupants. The study provides some empirical information on airbag deployment, and contributes to research toward better airbag design. Several areas that call for additional research, such as the nature and mechanism of airbag-related injuries, are also discussed. (A)
Abstract