Sponsored by: Costa Ivone
When consumers buy any product, they expect it to have gone through testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness before the product goes into the market. Sadly, the reverse is the case most times. A perfect example of this is the use of the controversial Takata Airbags.
“The aim of designing airbags is to protect car drivers from the severe head, neck, and heart injuries during a crash,” says Anthony L. Ivone . However, the reverse is the case in some Takata airbags. Exploding Takata airbags have reportedly caused 19 deaths and over 400 injuries in the United States alone. As a result, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for 67 million airbags in over 42 million vehicles since September 2021.
How Do Airbags Function?
An airbag has three parts. The first part is the bag, made of thin nylon fabric which folds into the steering wheel or dashboard. The second part is the sensor, which informs the bag to inflate when it is time to do so.
The sensor detects a force comparable to
The Role of the Three Parts in Airbag Operation
So when a car collides with something, it quickly slows down, and an accelerometer electronic chip, which measures acceleration or force, detects the speed change. The accelerometer works to activate the airbag circuit if the deceleration is strong enough. The airbag circuit then ignites a chemical explosive by passing an electric current through a heating element.
When the explosive blows up, it releases a large amount of gas (usually nitrogen or argon) into a nylon bag hidden behind the steering wheel. The airbag takes only 40 milliseconds to inflate completely. As the airbag expands, it blows the plastic cover of the dashboard or steering wheel off and blows in front of the driver.
The bag is covered with a chalky substance like talcum powder to make it easier to unwrap. Due to the impact, the driver or passenger is pushed forward and against the bag. The gas inside the bag escapes through small holes around its edges, causing the airbag to deflate. The bag should be completely free of gas when the car eventually stops.
Why Most Takata Airbags Explosion Cause Harm
Takata Corporation is a major Japanese auto parts manufacturer. Most top automakers globally rely on it to develop and supply safety parts such as seat belts, steering wheel systems, and airbags. However, Takata airbags have been considered particularly
The inflator of the Takata airbag is the primary source of danger. The inflator is a propellant wafer-filled metal cartridge. The propellant in the defective Takata airbags is ammonium nitrate-based and contains no chemical drying agent. The chemicals can become more volatile when exposed to heat and humidity for an extended period.
As a result, the airbag has the potential to explode. When it explodes, it splashes metal shards into the passenger cabin, usually into the driver’s face and neck. Explosions from Takata airbags can cause severe and even fatal injuries.
Takata Airbag Recall
Because of the high number of injuries and deaths caused by Takata airbags, federal safety regulators have ordered a nationwide recall of vehicles with Takata airbags. It is the largest recall in the history of the American automobile.
The recalls have been carried out in stages depending on the level of risk. They affect vehicles manufactured between 2002 and 2015 the most. Honda and Acura cars from 2001 to 2003, as well as Ford Ranger and Mazda B-series trucks from 2006, are the models most at risk.
Some of these vehicles, however, have yet to be recalled. The recalled airbags in some cars are only the passenger-side airbag. This raises concerns about how safe the rest of the airbags are.
How Drivers Can Obtain the Latest Information on the Airbag Recall
Drivers should search the NHTSA official website to obtain the correct and latest information on airbag recall. They
To find the VIN, drivers can look for it on the title and registration of a vehicle. They can also find it on the door jamb (driver side) and the dashboard (Driver side), even visible through the windscreen.
A VIN search will reveal the recalled vehicle airbags and why. As a result, the search will enable drivers to follow up on repairs or replacements to avoid serious injuries associated with a defective airbag.
What to Do If Your Car Appears on the Airbag Recall List
Manufacturers are legally obligated to repair or replace the faulty part of a vehicle for free when a recall is issued. The NHTSA prioritized the replacement airbags delivery into 12 levels depending on areas with the highest heat and humidity level and the number of reported incidents.
Drivers of Honda or Acura vehicles from 2001-2003 and 2006 Ford/Mazda trucks under a stop-driving order are exempt from the 12 levels. Therefore, owners of these vehicles should contact their dealership as soon as possible.
Drivers whose vehicle appears on the recall list should contact their vehicle dealers immediately. If they refuse to repair it, the drivers should give the NHTSA and the car manufacturer the necessary information. The information includes the name of the dealership and the employee who refused the repair.
Can Drivers Disable Their Airbag While Waiting For Its Repair
A faulty airbag offers more protection than none. Therefore, while waiting for a defective airbag replacement or repair, drivers are advised not to disable their airbags.
An exception to this is some Honda and Acura models under a stop-driving order. Instead of disabling the airbags, drivers can move their seats back as far as possible while still comfortably controlling the car to reduce the risk.
Furthermore, some manufacturers advise drivers not to allow anybody to sit in the front passenger seat. But in a situation where drivers are not comfortable driving the car, they can request a loaner car from their dealership.
What to Do When Injured Due to Failed Takata Airbag Recall
Consumers have a right to expect that a product designed to protect them will not cause harm to them. Takata airbags are no exception. A defective one can incur medical expenses, hospitalization, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other burdens due to negligence from the manufacturer.
Therefore, if you or a loved one sustains an injury due to a defective Takata airbag, you may be eligible for compensation. You can achieve this through a product liability or defective product claim.
However, do not hesitate to consult an experienced personal injury attorney about your Takata airbag recall case. The lawyer can help recover the necessary compensations.
Conclusion
Airbags protect drivers from severe head, neck, and heart injuries during a collision. As a result, drivers should not drive without one. Also, if anyone is defective, drivers