The criteria for airbags is no longer to simply offer automatic protection for the driver and front seat occupants in frontal crashes. More stringent requirements reflect the public's understandable concern after reports of airbag-caused fatal injuries to shorter drivers and children passengers. The airbag also must not create a risk nor cause injury to the shorter driver or others who may be too close to the stored airbag, such as with an unbelted or belted person moving forward during pre-crash braking. Nor should the airbag cause injury to small children passengers, who may be in a child safety seat or somewhat out of position (eg unbelted and leaning closer to the stowed airbag). This may require airbag systems that have sensors or other means to detect the potentially adverse situation, and then restrict the particular airbag from deploying. This will also require automakers to verify compliance to test procedures that no longer focus on the 50th-percentile adult male test dummy, but will also include short-stature female drivers and child test dummies as well. Larger, tall test dummies should also be included in a more comprehensive test matrix of various individual sizes, weights, and seating positions. (A)
Samenvatting