Why isn't my vehicle equipped with more airbags, considering they're considered safe?

Why isn't my vehicle equipped with more airbags, considering they're considered safe?

Airbags, a staple safety feature in modern vehicles, contribute significantly to a vehicle's overall cost and weight, yet their benefits far outweigh these factors.

The automotive airbag market is projected to grow substantially in the coming years. The automotive airbag controller unit market alone is valued at approximately USD 8.2 billion in 2025, with expectations of reaching USD 15.6 billion by 2035 [2]. This growth is driven by regulatory mandates and advanced safety technologies, although the investment is spread across the global vehicle market rather than per vehicle.

Airbag modules consist of complex assemblies, including specially engineered fabrics like nylon, polyester, and Kevlar, precision folding, and integration [1]. These factors add manufacturing complexity and cost, making airbag replacements in older cars uneconomic, especially around 14 years of age [5]. Advanced features, such as dual-stage and occupant-detecting airbags, further increase component and integration complexity, likely raising costs over basic airbags [3].

In terms of weight, airbags add extra modules, sensors, wiring, and fabric, incrementally increasing vehicle weight. However, manufacturers strive to reduce airbag size and weight by innovative fabric design and folding methods to fit airbags into smaller spaces, helping to mitigate weight impact [1]. Overall, while airbags add weight, it tends to be modest in the context of the entire vehicle. The safety benefits generally justify the weight gain.

Maintenance of airbags is primarily focused on sensor, control unit checks, and replacing deployed airbags, with ongoing costs being periodic and event-driven rather than continuous [3]. Vehicle systems now use sensors to adjust airbag deployment force depending on occupant size and collision severity, thus complicating maintenance electronics.

The installation of airbags costs money for both materials and labor, with replacement costs ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars. Modern front airbags have a safer, two-stage design, inflating with less force in low-speed collisions [source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]. Side airbags have never caused a death [source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety].

Airbags improve safety, saving lives and reducing the severity of injuries [source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]. They help keep occupants' knees safely in place during a crash, reducing the risk of severe leg fractures and damage to the hips or pelvis [source: unspecified]. However, children in car seats should not ride in the front seat if the vehicle is equipped with an airbag [source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety].

Each 100 lbs. of weight added to a car, including airbags and their components, reduces fuel mileage by two percent according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The use of airbags increases the overall weight of a vehicle, which can significantly reduce fuel economy.

On a positive note, many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with airbags [source: unspecified]. Today, there are various types of airbags, including side curtain airbags, tubular airbags, knee airbags, and even exterior airbags for pedestrian protection [source: unspecified]. Airbags were first introduced in the 1970s and have since become standard in all vehicles produced in the United States since the late 1990s.

For more information about airbag safety and development, follow the links provided on the next page.

The automotive airbag market is forecasted to reach USD 15.6 billion by 2035, driven by advancements in safety technologies and regulatory mandates.

The installation and replacement of airbags can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars.

Airbags, despite adding weight to vehicles, have significant safety benefits, such as reducing the risk of severe leg fractures and saving lives.

In the automotive industry, the finance sector often provides discounts for vehicles equipped with airbags, offsetting some of the costs.

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