External air bags could improve driver safety

Drivers in Illinois may be interested in learning about new developments in the field of external airbags. These safety features are designed specifically to lower the risks of side impacts. According to research by the manufacturer ZF, external airbags could reduce the severity of car accident injuries by up to 40 percent.

An external airbag deploys on the side of the vehicle. Just like its internal counterparts, external airbags will deploy when sensors in the vehicle detects that a crash is imminent. The technology will rely on cameras, radars and ultrasonics. While advancements have been significant, there is still more work that needs to be done to improve the accuracy of a car’s sensors before external airbags become commonplace on vehicles.

In a number of new vehicles, when sensors detect that a crash is imminent, the seatbelts tighten up and the car’s suspension changes to protect the driver. Developers are currently implementing similar technologies that in the future could work with external airbags. One could imagine how frustrating it could be to have an external airbag fire prematurely or when it was not needed.

The size of the external airbag will vary depending on the size of the vehicle it is protecting. When it deploys, it should serve as an extra crash barrier or be like a huge pillow designed to absorb some of the impact of the collision.

Personal injury attorneys help individuals who are victims of automobile accidents. Such assistance could be vital if a crash victim is facing medical bills, lost wages and personal property damage. Legal counsel could help a client file a claim for compensation.