Editing Airbag (section)

== History ==
[[File:Round &amp; Parrott blue plaque unveiling - Andy Mabbett - 2019-03-18 - 05.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9| [[Blue plaque]] commemorating Round and Parrott's patent, at [[Birmingham Dental Hospital]] ]]
[[File:Original Airbag Design Blueprint 1953.png|thumb|upright|John W. Hetrick's 1953 safety cushion patent drawing<ref>{{cite patent|title=Safety cushion assembly for automotive vehicles |pubdate=18 August 1953 |country=US |number=2649311 |inventor1-first=John W. |inventor1-last=Hetrick |inventor1-link=John_W._Hetrick}}</ref>]]
[[File:Interior of 1975 Buick Electra.jpg|thumb|1975 [[Buick Electra]] with ACRS]]
[[File:Vauxhall Vectra curtain airbag deployed.jpg|thumb|A deployed curtain airbag in an [[Opel Vectra]]]]

=== Origins ===
The airbag "for the covering of aeroplane and other vehicle parts" traces its origins to a United States patent, submitted in 1919 by two dentists from [[Birmingham]], Arthur Parrott and Harold Round.<ref name="BDH">{{cite web |title=University of Birmingham to unveil new 'blue plaque' celebrating the work of two innovative dentists |url= https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/colleges/mds/news/2019/03/dentistry-blue-plaque.aspx |publisher=Birmingham Dental Hospital |access-date=18 March 2019 |date=13 March 2019}}</ref> The patent was approved in 1920.<ref>{{cite patent |country=US |number=1331359 |inventor2-first=Harold |inventor2-last=Round |inventor1-first=Arthur Hughes|inventor1-last=Parrott |pubdate=17 February 1920 |assign=[[Robert Davis (inventor)|Robert Henry Davis]]}}</ref> Air-filled bladders were in use as early as 1951.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bBDKTa4abNwC&pg=PA12|page=12 |title=Innovative Materials and Techniques in Concrete Construction: ACES Workshop |editor-first=Michael N. |editor-last=Fardis |chapter=1 Non Finito: challenges in rehabilitation |first=Urs |last=Meier |publisher=Springer |year=2012 |isbn=9789400719965 |access-date=16 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Air Bags for Automobiles |url= https://textilelearner.net/airbag-for-automobiles/ |work=Textile Learner |first=Moin.S |last=Khan |date= 10 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121118075037/http://textilelearner.blogspot.com/2012/09/air-bags-for-automobiles-materials-and.html |archive-date=18 November 2012 |access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> The airbag specifically for automobile use is credited independently to the American [[John W. Hetrick]], who filed for an airbag patent on 5 August 1952, that was granted #2,649,311 by the United States Patent Office on 18 August 1953.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=kXP6AQAAQBAJ&pg=PA1613|page=1613 |title=Road and Off-Road Vehicle System Dynamics Handbook |year=2014 |publisher=CRC Press |editor-first=Giampiero |editor-last=Mastinu |editor-first2=Manfred |editor-last2=Ploechl |isbn=9780849333224 |access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=United States Patent #2649311|publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office |url= http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&d=PALL&s1=2649311.PN.|access-date=15 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Patent Images|url= https://pdfpiw.uspto.gov/.piw?Docid=02649311&homeurl=http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1%2526Sect2=HITOFF%2526p=1%2526u=/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.html%2526r=1%2526f=G%2526l=50%2526d=PALL%2526s1=2649311.PN.%2526OS=%2526RS=&PageNum=&Rtype=&SectionNum=&idkey=NONE&Input=View+first+page|access-date=15 March 2021 |website=pdfpiw.uspto.gov}}</ref> German patent #896,312 filed for by engineer Walter Linderer on 6 October 1951 was issued on 12 November 1953, approximately three months after American John Hetrick. The airbags proposed by Hetrick and Linderer were based on compressed air released by a spring, bumper contact, or by the driver. Later research during the 1960s showed that compressed air could not inflate the mechanical airbags fast enough to ensure maximum safety, leading to the current chemical and electrical airbags.<ref>{{cite web |title=The History of Airbags |date=19 April 2017 |work=The Thought Company |url= https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-airbags-1991232 |first=Mary |last=Bellis |access-date=22 September 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170714234135/https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-airbags-1991232 |archive-date=14 July 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Big Ideas">{{cite book|first= Alex |last=Hutchinson |title=Big Ideas: 100 Modern Inventions That Have Transformed Our World |publisher=Sterling Publishing |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=FtN7DIvmmF4C&pg=PA136|page=136 |isbn=9781588167224 |year=2009 |access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> In patent applications, manufacturers sometimes use the term "inflatable occupant restraint systems".

Hetrick was an [[Industrial engineering|industrial engineer]] and member of the [[United States Navy]]. His airbag design, however, only came about when he combined his experiences working with navy [[torpedo]]es with his desire to protect his family on the road. Despite working with the major automobile manufacturers of his time, Hetrick was unable to attract investment.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.airbagsolutions.com/history2.aspx |title=Airbag History – When Was The Airbag Invented? |website=airbagsolutions.com |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316195436/http://www.airbagsolutions.com/history2.aspx |archive-date=16 March 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://inventors.about.com/od/astartinventions/a/air_bags.htm |title=The History of Airbags |website=inventors.about.com |access-date=16 March 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722020108/http://inventors.about.com/od/astartinventions/a/air_bags.htm|archive-date= 22 July 2012}}</ref> Although airbags are now required in every automobile sold in the United States, Hetrick's 1951 patent filing serves as an example of a "valuable" invention with little economic value to its inventor. Its first commercial use was not implemented until after the patent expired in 1971, at which point the airbag was installed in a few experimental [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] cars.<ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=KgCXLF5u9dMC&pg=PA85|page=22.6 |title=Litigation services handbook: the role of the financial expert |editor-first=Roman L. |editor-last=Weil |editor-link1=Roman L. Weil|editor-first2=Peter B. |editor-last2=Frank |editor-first3=Kevin D. |editor-last3=Kreb |publisher=John Wiley |year=2009 |isbn=9780470286609 |access-date=16 March 2014}}</ref>

In 1964, a Japanese automobile engineer, [[:ja:小堀保三郎|Yasuzaburou Kobori]] (小堀保三郎), started developing an airbag "safety net" system. His design harnessed an explosive to inflate an airbag, for which he was later awarded patents in 14 countries. He died in 1975, before seeing the widespread adoption of airbag systems.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jahfa.jp/jahfa6/pala/person5-1.htm |title=Achievements of Yasuzaburou Kobori |publisher=Japan Automotive Hall of Fame |language=ja |quote=Source of creative ideas, [he] started the development of the air bag as a starting point to develop a safety net of motor vehicles in 1964. |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130802085217/http://www.jahfa.jp/jahfa6/pala/person5-1.htm |archive-date=2 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= http://zasshi.news.yahoo.co.jp/article?a=20150321-00818815-sspa-soci |title=「エアバッグ」生みの親は日本人だった （週刊SPA!）|work=Yahoo!ニュース |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150519022006/http://zasshi.news.yahoo.co.jp/article?a=20150321-00818815-sspa-soci |archive-date=19 May 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://nikkan-spa.jp/818815/airbag |title=エアバッグ - airbag.jpg – 日刊SPA! |work=日刊SPA! |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150323145459/http://nikkan-spa.jp/818815/airbag |archive-date=23 March 2015 |date=21 March 2015 |access-date=13 October 2017 }}</ref>

In 1967, a breakthrough in developing airbag crash [[sensor]]s came when Allen K. Breed invented a ball-in-tube mechanism for crash detection. Under his system, an [[Electromechanics|electromechanical]] sensor with a steel ball attached to a tube by a [[magnet]] would inflate an airbag in under 30 milliseconds.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/14/business/allen-k-breed-72-a-developer-of-air-bag-technology-for-cars.html |title=Allen K. Breed, 72, a Developer of Air Bag Technology for Cars |first=Nick |last=Ravop |date=14 January 2000 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=28 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402214752/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/14/business/allen-k-breed-72-a-developer-of-air-bag-technology-for-cars.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref> A small explosion of [[sodium azide]] was used instead of compressed air during inflation for the first time.<ref name="Big Ideas"/> Breed Corporation then marketed this innovation to [[Chrysler]]. A similar "Auto-Ceptor" crash-restraint, developed by the [[Eaton Corporation|Eaton, Yale & Towne]] company for Ford, was soon also offered as an automatic safety system in the United States,<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=qCUDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Pillow+protects+you+in+auto+crashes&pg=PA94 |title=Pillow protects you in auto crashes |page=94 |magazine=Popular Science |date=May 1968 |volume=192 |issue=5 |access-date=7 March 2024 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/breed.html |title=Inventor of the Week: Archive |website=web.mit.edu |access-date=27 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090318103350/http://web.mit.edu/invent/iow/breed.html |archive-date=18 March 2009 }}</ref> while the Italian Eaton-Livia company offered a variant with localized{{explain|date=June 2014}} air cushions.<ref name=thetimes>{{cite news|title=Safety Design |first=John |last=Fenton |newspaper=The Times |date=24 January 1969}}</ref>

In the early 1970s, [[General Motors]] began offering cars equipped with airbags, initially in government [[fleet vehicle|fleet-purchased]] 1973 Chevrolet Impala sedans. These cars came with a 1974-style Oldsmobile instrument panel and a unique steering wheel that contained the driver-side airbag. Two of these cars were crash tested after 20 years and the airbags deployed perfectly.<ref>{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=David |title=Impalas' 1973 experimental airbags held up |url= https://www.autonews.com/article/20111031/CHEVY100/310319928/impalas-1973-experimental-airbags-held-up |publisher=Automotive News |date=31 October 2011 |access-date=1 August 2020}}</ref> An early example of the airbag cars survives as of 2009.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lorio |first=Joe |title=Whats this 73 Chevrolet Impala doing at a classic car auction? |url= https://www.automobilemag.com/news/whats-this-73-chevrolet-impala-doing-at-a-classic-car-auction-2-135242/ |magazine=Automobile Magazine |date=15 June 2009 |access-date=1 August 2020}}</ref> GM's [[Oldsmobile Toronado]] was the first domestic U.S. vehicle to include a passenger airbag in 1973.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Phillips |first1=David |title=Impalas' 1973 experimental airbags held up: Fleet customers tested 1,000 vehicles with cutting-edge technology |url= http://www.autonews.com/article/20111031/CHEVY100/310319928/impalas-1973-experimental-airbags-held-up |access-date=16 November 2017 |work=Automotive News |date=31 October 2011}}</ref> General Motors marketed its first airbag modules under the "Air Cushion Restraint System" name, or ACRS. The automaker discontinued the option for its 1977 [[model year]], citing a lack of consumer interest. Ford and GM then spent years [[lobbying]] against air-bag requirements, claiming that the devices were unfeasible and inappropriate. Chrysler made driver-side airbags standard on 1988 and 1989 models, but airbags did not become widespread in American cars until the early 1990s.<ref>{{cite news|first=Paul |last=Tullis |url= https://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/magazine/2013/innovations-issue/#/?part=airbag |title=Air Bag – Who Made That? The Magazine's 2013 Innovations Issue |newspaper=The New York Times |date=7 June 2013|url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140215212225/http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/magazine/2013/innovations-issue/ |archive-date=15 February 2014}}</ref>

=== As a substitute for seat belts ===
Airbags for passenger cars were introduced in the United States in the 1970s. When seat-belt usage rates in the country were quite low compared to modern-day, Ford built experimental cars with airbags in 1971. [[Allstate]] operated a fleet of 200 [[Mercury Monterey]]s and showed the reliability of airbags as well as their operation in crash testing, which also was promoted by the insurance company in popular magazine advertisements.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Allstate fleet cars show the reliability of air bags (advertisement) |magazine=Life |date=9 June 1972 |volume=72 |issue=22 |pages=8–9 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=9lYEAAAAMBAJ&q=Allstate+fleet+cars+show+the+reliability+of+air+bags&pg=PA6 |access-date=13 August 2021}}</ref> General Motors followed in 1973 using full-sized Chevrolet vehicles. The early fleet of experimental GM vehicles equipped with airbags experienced seven fatalities, one of which was later suspected to have been caused by the airbag.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airbagcrash.com/contactusetc.html |title=GM's Acrs |website=airbagcrash.com |year=2001 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140223133516/http://www.airbagcrash.com/contactusetc.html |archive-date=23 February 2014 }}</ref>

In 1974, GM made its ACRS system (which consisted of a padded lower dashboard and a passenger-side air bag) available as a regular production option (RPO code AR3) in full-sized Cadillac,<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Cadillac/1975_Cadillac/1975_Cadillac_Brochure/1975%20Cadillac-25.html |title=1975 Cadillac Brochure |page=25 |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316214731/http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Cadillac/1975_Cadillac/1975_Cadillac_Brochure/1975%20Cadillac-25.html |archive-date=16 March 2014 }}</ref> Buick and Oldsmobile models. The GM cars from the 1970s equipped with ACRS had a driver-side airbag, and a driver-side knee restraint.<ref name="oldcarbrochures1974">{{cite web|url= http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Oldsmobile/1974_Oldsmobile/1974_Oldsmobile_Air_Cushion_Folder/1974%20Oldsmobile%20Air%20Cushion%20Folder-06-07.html |title=1974 Oldsmobile Air Cushion Folder |pages=6–7 |website=oldcarbrochures.com |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141213023724/http://www.oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Oldsmobile/1974_Oldsmobile/1974_Oldsmobile_Air_Cushion_Folder/1974%20Oldsmobile%20Air%20Cushion%20Folder-06-07.html |archive-date=13 December 2014 }}</ref> The passenger-side airbag protected both front passengers,<ref name="oldcarbrochures1974"/> and unlike most modern systems, integrated a knee and torso cushion while also having a dual-stage deployment dictated by force of the impact. The cars equipped with ACRS had lap belts for all seating positions, but lacked shoulder belts. Shoulder belts were already mandatory in the United States on closed cars without airbags for the driver and outer front passenger, but GM chose to market its airbags as a substitute for shoulder belts. Prices for this option on Cadillac models were US$225 in 1974, $300 in 1975, and $340 in 1976 (US${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|340|1976}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}).

The early development of airbags coincided with international interest in automobile safety legislation. Some safety experts advocated a [[Risk assessment|performance-based]] occupant-protection standard rather than one mandating a particular technical solution (which could rapidly become outdated and prove to not be a [[Cost-effectiveness analysis|cost-effective]] approach). Less emphasis was placed on other designs as countries successfully mandated seat belt restrictions, however.<ref name=thetimes/>

=== As a supplemental restraint system ===
==== Frontal airbag ====
{{multiple image
| footer = Three photos of a crash test dummy whose head lands right into the airbag 
| image1 = Airbag1.jpg
| width1 = 150
| image2 = Airbag2.jpg
| width2 = 141 
| image3 = Airbag3.jpg
| width3 = 150
}}

The auto industry and research and regulatory communities have moved away from their initial view of the airbag as a seat-belt replacement, and the bags are now nominally designated as supplemental restraint systems ('''SRS''') or supplemental inflatable restraints.

In 1981, [[Mercedes-Benz]] introduced the airbag in [[West Germany]] as an option on its flagship saloon model, [[Mercedes-Benz W126|S-Class (W126)]]. In the Mercedes system, the sensors automatically tensioned the seat belts to reduce occupants' motion on impact and then deployed the airbag on impact. This integrated the seat belts and the airbag into a restraint system, rather than the airbag being considered an alternative to the seat belt.

In 1987, the [[Porsche 944]] Turbo became the first car to have driver and passenger airbags as standard equipment.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.excellence-mag.com/issues/179/articles/porsche-airbag-systems |title=Porsche Airbag Systems |first1=Tony |last1=Callas |first2=Tom |last2=Prine |work=Excellence Magazine |location=US |date=30 November 2009 |access-date=14 November 2022}}</ref> The Porsche 944 and 944S had this as an available option. The same year also had the first airbag in a Japanese car, the [[Honda Legend]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/7-3e.html |title=240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology – Subaru Legend airbag system |publisher=Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141123222600/http://www.jsae.or.jp/autotech/data_e/7-3e.html |archive-date=23 November 2014}}</ref>

In 1988, [[Chrysler]] became the first United States automaker to fit a driver-side airbag as standard equipment, which was offered in six different models.<ref name="Godshall">{{cite journal|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=duNp3hLLlkUC&pg=PA71|first=Jeffery|last=Godshall |title=Form, Function, and Fantasy – seventy years of Chrysler design |journal=Automobile Quarterly |volume=32 |issue=4 |pages=70–71 |access-date=27 April 2019 |isbn=9781596139275}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url= http://www.automotive-fleet.com/article/story/1988/07/chrysler-introduces-driver-side-air-bags.aspx |title=Chrysler Introduces Driver-Side Air Bags |date=July 1988 |magazine=Automotive Fleet |access-date=27 April 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316195140/http://www.automotive-fleet.com/article/story/1988/07/chrysler-introduces-driver-side-air-bags.aspx |archive-date=16 March 2014 }}</ref> The following year, Chrysler became the first US auto manufacturer to offer driver-side airbags in all its new passenger models.<ref>{{cite web |title=Automobile Safety |url= https://americanhistory.si.edu/america-on-the-move/essays/automobile-safety |work=National Museum of American History |date=24 July 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=K0Le2urkC0cC&pg=PA220|page=220 |title=Business ethics|first=William H. |last=Shaw |publisher=Wadsworth/Cengage |year=2011 |isbn=9780495808763 |access-date=16 March 2014}}</ref> Chrysler also began featuring the airbags in advertisements showing how the devices had saved lives that helped the public know the value of them and safety became a selling advantage in the late 1980s.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=1990 Government Mandates Safety |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=May 1996 |volume=173 |issue=5 |page=59 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=MWUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA59 |access-date=5 November 2019}}</ref> All versions of the [[Chrysler minivans (AS)|Chrysler minivans]] came with airbags starting for the 1991 model year.<ref name="Godshall"/> In 1993, The Lincoln Motor Company boasted that all vehicles in their model line were equipped with dual airbags, one for the driver's side and another for the passenger's side.<ref>{{cite AV media |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMJSXyTnOhI |title=1993 Lincoln safety ad |via=YouTube}}</ref> The [[Jeep Grand Cherokee (ZJ)|1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee]] became the first SUV to offer a driver-side airbag when it was launched in 1992.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=pOMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA25|pages=25–27 |date=July 1993 |magazine=Popular Mechanics |title=Jeep Grand Cherokee – another home run for the home team |first=Michael |last=Lamm |volume=170 |issue=7 |access-date=16 March 2014}}</ref> Driver and passenger airbags became standard equipment in all [[Dodge Intrepid]], [[Eagle Vision]], and [[Chrysler Concorde]] sedans ahead of any safety regulations.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=mAZeW0y7h5sC&pg=PA147|page=147 |title=Air Bag Safety: Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, U.S. Senate |year=1996 |editor-first=Larry |editor-last=Pressler |publisher=Dianne Publishing |access-date=16 March 2014|isbn=9780788170676 }}</ref><ref>Legislation passed in 1991 required driver and front passenger airbags for passenger vehicles offered for sale in the US after September 1997 and for other vehicles after September 1998.{{cite book |title=Air Bag Safety: Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportations US Senate 104 Congress 2nd session |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=R-bXBSwvBO8C&pg=PA3 |date=2 March 1996 |isbn=9780788170676 |last1=Pressler|first1=Larry| publisher=DIANE }}</ref> Early 1993 saw the 4-millionth airbag-equipped Chrysler vehicle roll off the assembly line.<ref>{{cite press release|url= http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CHRYSLER+AIR+BAG+PRODUCTION+HITS+4+MILLION+UNITS-a013141245 |title=Chrysler air bag production hits 4 million units |date=19 April 1993 |agency=PRNewswire |website=thefreelibrary.com |access-date=16 March 2014}}</ref> In October 1993, the [[Dodge Ram]] became the first [[pickup truck]] with a standard driver-side airbag.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=5-MDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA24|page=24 |title=Design and Engineering Awards |magazine=Popular Mechanics |date=January 1994 |volume=171 |issue=1 |access-date=16 March 2014}}</ref>

The first known collision between two airbag-equipped automobiles took place on 12 March 1990 in [[Virginia]], USA. A 1989 [[Chrysler LeBaron]] crossed the [[Road surface marking|center line]] and hit another 1989 Chrysler LeBaron in a [[head-on collision]], causing both driver airbags to deploy. The drivers suffered only minor injuries despite extensive damage to the vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.proquest.com/docview/307238903 |title=Va. Crash Shines Spotlight on Air Bags; Safety Experts Say They Feel Vindicated in 20-Year Battle |date= 31 March 1990 |last1=Cohn |first1=D'Vera |last2=Henderson |first2=Nell |page=A.01 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171013172923/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/doc/307238903.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Mar+31%2C+1990&author=Cohn%2C+D%27Vera%3B+Henderson%2C+Nell&pub=The+Washington+Post+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&edition=&startpage=a.01&desc=Va.+Crash+Shines+Spotlight+on+Air+Bags%3BSafety+Experts+Say+They+Feel+Vindicated+in+20-Year+Battle |archive-date=13 October 2017 |id={{ProQuest|307238903}} |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1990/04/01/air-bags-save-2-lives-in-historic-collision/ |title=Air Bags Save 2 Lives in Historic Collision |date=1 April 1990 |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160818150250/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1990-04-01/business/9003312872_1_woody-crash-bags |archive-date=18 August 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{citation|url= http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20117450,00.html |title=Dueling Air Bags Allow Two Virginia Drivers to Walk Away from a Horrifying Head-on Collision |date=23 April 1990 |volume=33 |issue=16 |magazine=[[People (magazine)|People]] |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160914213704/http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0%2C%2C20117450%2C00.html |archive-date=14 September 2016 }}</ref>

The United States [[Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act]] of 1991 required passenger cars and light trucks built after 1 September 1998 to have airbags for the driver and the front passenger.<ref name="AirBagTechnology">{{cite web|url= http://www.nhtsa.gov.edgesuite-staging.net/DOT/NHTSA/NRD/Multimedia/PDFs/Crashworthiness/Air%20Bags/rev_report.pdf |page=1 |date=21 June 2001 |title=Air Bag Technology in Light Passenger Vehicles |author=((Office of Research and Development)) |publisher=U.S. NHTSA |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141215001813/http://www.nhtsa.gov.edgesuite-staging.net/DOT/NHTSA/NRD/Multimedia/PDFs/Crashworthiness/Air%20Bags/rev_report.pdf |archive-date=15 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/federal-legislation-makes-airbags-mandatory |title=Sep 1, 1998: Federal legislation makes airbags mandatory |website=history.com |date=13 November 2009 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316195048/http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/federal-legislation-makes-airbags-mandatory |archive-date=16 March 2014 }}</ref> In the United States, NHTSA estimated that airbags had saved over 4,600 lives by 1 September 1999; however, the crash deployment experience of the early 1990s installations indicated that some fatalities and serious injuries were in fact caused by airbags.<ref name="AirBagTechnology"/> In 1998, NHTSA initiated new rules for advanced airbags that gave automakers more flexibility in devising effective technological solutions. The revised rules also required improved protection for occupants of different sizes regardless of whether they use seat belts, while minimizing the risk to infants, children, and other occupants caused by airbags.<ref name="AirBagTechnology"/>

In [[Europe]], airbags were almost unheard of until the early 1990s. By 1991, four manufacturers – [[BMW]], [[Honda]], Mercedes-Benz, and [[Volvo]] – offered the airbag on some of their higher-end models, but shortly afterward, airbags became a common feature on more mainstream cars, with [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] and [[Vauxhall Motors|Vauxhall]]/[[Opel]] among the manufacturers to introduce the airbag to its model ranges in 1992. [[Citroën]], [[Fiat]], [[Nissan]], [[Hyundai Motor Group|Hyundai]], [[Peugeot]], [[Renault]], and [[Volkswagen]] followed shortly afterwards.

By 1999, finding a new mass-market car without an airbag at least as optional equipment was difficult, and some late 1990s products, such as the [[Volkswagen Golf Mk4]], also featured side airbags. The [[Peugeot 306]] is one example of the European automotive mass-market evolution: starting in early 1993, most of these models did not even offer a driver's airbag as an option, but by 1999, even side airbags were available on several variants. [[Audi]] was late to offer airbag systems on a broader scale, since even in the 1994 model year, its popular models did not offer airbags. Instead, the German automaker until then relied solely on its proprietary cable-based [[procon-ten]] restraint system.

[[Adaptive airbag|Variable force-deployment]] front airbags were developed to help minimize injury from the airbag itself.

The emergence of the airbag has contributed to a sharp decline in the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads of Europe since 1990, and by 2010, the number of cars on European roads lacking an airbag represented a very small percentage of cars, mostly the remaining cars dating from the mid-1990s or earlier.

Many new cars in Latin America, including the [[Kia Rio]], [[Kia Picanto]], [[Hyundai Grand i10]], [[Mazda 2]], [[Chevrolet Spark]] and the [[Chevrolet Onix]], are often sold without airbags, as neither airbags nor [[Collision avoidance system|automatic braking]] systems in new cars are compulsory in many Latin American countries. Some require the installation of a minimum of only two airbags in new cars which many in this market have.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.elmundo.es/motor/2017/10/06/59d770ae22601d8e6e8b45b8.html |title=Latin NCAP: los vehículos de Latinoamérica, dos décadas por detrás en seguridad |trans-title=Latin NCAP: Latin American vehicles, two decades behind in safety |first=Denís |last=Iglesias |work=El Mundo |location=Spain |language=Spanish |date=10 October 2017 |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://motor.elpais.com/conducir/por-que-un-coche-protege-mejor-en-europa-que-en-latinoamerica/ |title=¿Por qué un coche protege mejor en Europa que en Latinoamérica? |trans-title=Why does a car protect better in Europe than in Latin America? |first=Mario |last=Herráez |work=El Motor |location=Spain |language=Spanish |date=13 September 2021 |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.elcolombiano.com/negocios/la-seguridad-de-los-carros-que-se-venden-en-america-latina-2023-OG21056585 |title=¿Por qué los carros que se venden en América Latina no son tan seguros como en Europa? |trans-title=Why are the cars sold in Latin America not as safe as in Europe? |first=Alejandra Zapata |last=Quinchía |work=El Colombiano |location=Colombia |language=Spanish |date=10 April 2023 |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>

===== Shape of airbags =====
The [[Citroën C4]] provided the first "shaped" driver airbag, made possible by this car's unusual fixed-hub steering wheel.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,16128857-13232,00.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060512203054/http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0%2C20867%2C16128857-13232%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 May 2006 |title=Citroen C4 |last=Wilson |first=Robert |date=3 August 2005 |newspaper=The Australian |access-date=3 November 2009 }}</ref>

In 2019, Honda announced it would introduce a new front passenger airbag technology. Developed by [[Autoliv]] and Honda R&D in [[Ohio, United States]], this new airbag design features three inflatable chambers connected across the front by a "noninflatable sail panel." The two outer chambers are larger than the middle chamber. When the airbag deploys, the sail panel cushions the occupant's head from the impact of hitting the airbag, and the three chambers hold the occupant's head in place, like a catcher's mitt. The goal of the tri-chamber airbag is to help "arrest high-speed movement" of the head, thereby reducing the likelihood of concussion injuries in a collision. The first vehicle to come with the tri-chamber airbag installed from the factory was in 2020 (for the 2021 model year) for the [[Acura TLX]]. Honda hopes that the new technology will soon make its way to all vehicles.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a28791083/honda-multi-compartment-airbag-cars/ |title=Honda's New Airbag Will Give Front Passengers Better Protection |first=Andrew |last=Wendler |work=Car and Driver |location=US |date=23 August 2019 |access-date=29 September 2022}}</ref>

===== Rear airbag =====
Mercedes began offering rear passengers protection in frontal collisions in September 2020 (for the 2021 model year) for the [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-safety-tech-rear-seat-airbags/ |title=2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class safety tech: Rear-seat airbags and 48-volt architecture |first=Steven |last=Ewing |date=2 September 2020 |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref> The W223 S-Class is the first car equipped with rear seat airbags that use gas to inflate supporting structures that unfold and extend a bag that fills with ambient air, instead of conventional fully gas-inflated airbags that are widely used in automotive airbag systems.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a27535532/mercedes-benz-rear-seat-airbag-concept/ |title=An Airbag for the Back Seat? Mercedes-Benz Is Developing a Clever One |first=Alexander |last=Stoklosa |date=2019-05-22 |access-date=2023-02-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.autoblog.com/2020/07/29/2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-tech-preview/ |title=2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets rear-axle steering and trick new airbag tech |first=Zac |last=Palmer |work=AutoBlog |date=29 July 2020 |access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref>

==== Side airbag ====
[[File:Seitenairbag Porsche.jpg|thumb|Side airbag on a [[Porsche 996]] inflated permanently for display purposes]]
[[File:Curtainairbags.JPG|thumb|Deployed curtain airbag and side torso airbag in a [[Citroën C4]] ]]

Essentially, two types of side airbags are commonly used today{{when|reason=What does "today" mean when read in 10 or 20 years time?|date=September 2022}} - the side-torso airbag and the side-curtain airbag. More recently,{{when|reason=What does "recently" mean when read in 10 or 20 years time?|date=September 2022}} center airbags are becoming more common in the European market.

Most vehicles equipped with side-curtain airbags also include side-torso airbags. However, some, such as the [[Chevrolet Cobalt]],<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=527 |title=IIHS-HLDI: Chevrolet Cobalt 4-door |website=iihs.org |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130523132834/http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=527 |archive-date=23 May 2013 }}</ref> 2007–09 model [[Chevrolet Silverado|Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra]], and 2009–12 [[Dodge Ram]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=1087 |title=IIHS-HLDI: Dodge Ram 1500 |website=iihs.org |date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100410024807/http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=1087 |archive-date=10 April 2010 }}</ref> do not feature the side-torso airbag.

From around 2000, side-impact airbags became commonplace on even low- to mid-range vehicles, such as the smaller-engined versions of the [[Ford Fiesta]] and [[Peugeot 206]], and curtain airbags were also becoming regular features on mass-market cars. The [[Toyota Avensis]], launched in 2003, was the first mass-market car to be sold in Europe with nine airbags.

===== Side torso airbag =====
Side-impact airbags or side-torso airbags <!-- (side thorax/abdomen airbags) --> are a category of airbags usually located in the seat<ref>{{cite web |language=en |url= http://www.protext.cz/english/zprava.php?id%3D5890 |title=Johnson Controls develops and manufactures the instrument panel, seating system, door panels and acoustic parking system for the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170302112307/http://www.protext.cz/english/zprava.php?id=5890 |archive-date=2 March 2017 |access-date=11 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> or door panel,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.motortrend.com/cars/mercedes-benz/e-class/1996/1996-mercedes-benz-eclass/ |title=1996 Mercedes-Benz E-Class – Roadtest – European Car |first=Rik |last=Paul |work=Motor Trend |date=1 January 1996 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180304003839/http://www.motortrend.com/cars/mercedes-benz/e-class/1996/1996-mercedes-benz-eclass/ |archive-date=4 March 2018 |access-date=11 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> and inflate between the seat occupant and the door. These airbags are designed to reduce the risk of injury to the pelvic and lower abdomen regions.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |url= http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7063350.html |title=Dual chamber side airbag apparatus and method |website=freepatentsonline.com |date=20 June 2006 |access-date=11 May 2018 }}</ref> Most vehicles are now being equipped with different types of designs, to help reduce injury and ejection from the vehicle in rollover crashes. More recent side-airbag designs<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://news.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id%3D4110-en |title=2008 Honda Accord – Safety |publisher=American Honda |date=21 August 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170302030917/http://news.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=4110-en |archive-date=2 March 2017 |access-date=11 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> include a two-chamber system;<ref>{{cite press release |url= https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/3549 |title=All New Volvo S80: Style, Sophistication, Safety and Scandinavian |publisher=Volvo Cars US |date=28 February 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170302111856/https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/3549 |archive-date=2 March 2017 |access-date=1 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> a firmer lower chamber for the pelvic region and softer upper chamber for the ribcage.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |url= http://xc60volvo.blogspot.de/2009/05/dual-chamber-side-airbags.html |title=Dual-chamber Side Airbags |date=23 October 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170202101456/http://xc60volvo.blogspot.de/2009/05/dual-chamber-side-airbags.html |archive-date=2 February 2017 |access-date=26 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |language=en |last1=Jakobsson |first1=Lotta |last2=Lindman |first2=Magdalena |last3=Svanberg |first3=Bo |last4=Carlsson |first4=Henrik |title=Real World Data Driven Evolution of Volvo Cars' Side Impact Protection Systems and their Effectiveness |journal=Annals of Advances in Automotive Medicine / Annual Scientific Conference |volume=54 |pages=127–136 |issn=1943-2461 |pmc=3242537 |pmid=21050597 |year=2010}}</ref>

Swedish company [[Autoliv|Autoliv AB]] was granted a patent on side-impact airbags, and they were first offered as an option in 1994<ref name="volvogroup.com">{{cite press release|url= http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/previous/1998/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId%3D22963%26News.Language%3Den-gb |title=Second-Generation Sips-Bag protects both chest and head |publisher=Volvo Group Global |date=17 July 1998 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150630101018/http://www.volvogroup.com/group/global/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/previous/1998/_layouts/CWP.Internet.VolvoCom/NewsItem.aspx?News.ItemId=22963&News.Language=en-gb |archive-date=30 June 2015 |access-date=15 January 2020 |url-status=dead}}</ref> on the 1995 [[Volvo 850]], and as standard equipment on all Volvo cars made after 1995.<ref name="volvogroup.com" />
In 1997, [[Saab Automobile|Saab]] introduced the first combined head and torso airbags with the launch of the [[Saab 9-5]].

Some cars, such as the 2010 [[Volkswagen Polo Mk5|Volkswagen Polo Mk.5]] have combined head- and torso-side airbags. These are fitted in the backrest of the front seats and protect the head and the torso.

===== Side tubular or curtain airbag =====
In 1997, the [[BMW 7 Series (E38)|BMW 7 Series]] and [[BMW 5 Series (E39)|5 Series]] were fitted with tubular-shaped head side airbags (inflatable tubular structure),<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.zodiacautomotive.com/products/side-impact-rollover-protection/inflatable-tubular-structure-its/ |title=Zodiac Coating – Medical Silicone Gel Components |work=zodiacautomotive.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150109083508/http://www.zodiacautomotive.com/products/side-impact-rollover-protection/inflatable-tubular-structure-its/ |archive-date=9 January 2015 |access-date=3 September 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> the "Head Protection System (HPS)" as standard equipment.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/19971030/press007605.html |title=BMW Head Protection System Sets New Standard in Side-Impact Protection in Latest IIHS Crash Test |author=((BMW of North America)) |website=theautochannel.com |date=30 October 1997 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316215210/http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/19971030/press007605.html |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> This airbag was designed to offer head protection in side impact collisions and also maintained inflation for up to seven seconds for rollover protection. However, this tubular-shaped airbag design has been quickly replaced by an inflatable 'curtain' airbag.

In May 1998, Toyota began offering a side-curtain airbag deploying from the roof on the [[Toyota Progrès|Progrés]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/07/23/055878.html |title=Toyota to Make Side Airbags and Curtain Shield Airbags Standard on All New Passenger Vehicle Models in Japan |website=theautochannel.com |date=23 July 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316215658/http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/07/23/055878.html |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 1998, the [[Volvo S80]] was given roof-mounted curtain airbags to protect both front and rear passengers.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |url= https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/s80/tech/s80tech3.shtml |title=Volvo S80 |website=volvoclub.org.uk |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160102080537/https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/s80/tech/s80tech3.shtml |archive-date=2 January 2016 |access-date=11 May 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Curtain airbags were then made standard equipment on all new Volvo cars from 2000 except for the first-generation [[Volvo C70|C70]], which received an enlarged side-torso airbag that also protects the head of front-seat occupants.<ref name="volvogroup.com"/> The second-generation C70 convertible received the world's first door-mounted, side-curtain airbags that deployed upwards.

Curtain airbags have been said to reduce brain injury or fatalities by up to 45% in a side impact with an SUV. These airbags come in various forms (e.g., tubular, curtain, door-mounted) depending on the needs of the application.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle+Shoppers/Air+Bags/Side-Impact+Air+Bags+(SABs) |title=Side-Impact Air Bags (SABs) |website=safercar.gov |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316214326/http://www.safercar.gov/Vehicle%2BShoppers/Air%2BBags/Side-Impact%2BAir%2BBags%2B%28SABs%29 |archive-date=16 March 2014 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Many recent [[Sport utility vehicle|SUVs]] and [[Multi-purpose vehicle|MPVs]] have a long inflatable curtain airbag that protects all rows of seats.

In many vehicles, the curtain airbags are programmed to deploy during some/all frontal impacts to manage passenger kinetics (e.g. head hitting B-pillar on the rebound), especially in offset crashes such as the IIHS's small overlap crash test.

====== Roll-sensing curtain airbag (RSCA) ======
Roll-sensing curtain airbags are designed to stay inflated for a longer duration of time, cover a larger proportion of the window, and be deployed in a roll-over crash. They offer protection to occupants' heads and help to prevent ejection. SUVs and pickups are more likely to be equipped with RSCAs due to their higher probability of rolling over and often a switch can disable the feature in case the driver wants to take the vehicle off-road.

===== Center airbag =====
{{Update|section|date=February 2019}}
[[File:V08232P024.jpg|thumb|Front-center airbag of a [[Chevrolet Traverse]] deployed in a static out-of-position test: The purpose of the test was to find out how this airbag affects a 3-year-old child who is out of his seat and in the direct reach of the airbag.]]
[[File:Gurtairbag.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] seat belt airbag]]

In 2009, Toyota developed the first production rear-seat center airbag designed to reduce the severity of secondary injuries to rear passengers in a side collision. This system deploys from the rear center seat first appearing in on the [[Toyota Crown Majesta|Crown Majesta]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.worldcarfans.com/109031117798/toyota-develops-worlds-first-rear-seat-center-airbag |title=Toyota Develops World's First Rear-seat Center Airbag |website=worldcarfans.com |date=11 March 2009 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316213508/http://www.worldcarfans.com/109031117798/toyota-develops-worlds-first-rear-seat-center-airbag |archive-date=16 March 2014 }}</ref> In late 2012, General Motors with supplier Takata introduced a front center airbag; it deploys from the driver's seat.<ref>{{cite web|first=Zach |last=Bowman |url= http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/gm-debuts-new-front-center-airbag-w-video/ |title=GM debuts new front center airbag |website=autoblog.com |date=29 September 2011 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316224521/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/29/gm-debuts-new-front-center-airbag-w-video/ |archive-date=16 March 2014 }}</ref>

[[Hyundai Motor Group]] announced its development of a center-side airbag on September 18, 2019, installed inside the driver's seat.

Some [[Volkswagen]] vehicles in 2022 equipped with center airbags include the [[Volkswagen ID.3|ID.3]] and the [[Volkswagen Golf Mk8|Golf]].<ref>{{cite press release|title=New ID.3: 'Today, safety wouldn't be possible without simulation'|url= https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com:443/en/stories/new-id3-today-safety-wouldnt-be-possible-without-simulation-5429 |work=Volkswagen Newsroom |access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref>

The [[Polestar 2]] also includes a center airbag.

With EuroNCAP updating its testing guidelines in 2020, European and Australian market vehicles increasingly use front-center airbags, rear torso airbags, and rear seat belt pre-tensioners.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fourin |first=FOURIN |date=June 2024 |title=Center-Side, External Airbags to Be Introduced for Euro NCAP Requirements |url=https://aaa.fourin.com/reports/bf991250-f087-11e9-9087-3d9b752d93ee/center-side-external-airbags-to-be-introduced-for-euro-ncap-requirements |website=AAA weekly - Asian Automotive Analysis |language=en}}</ref>

==== Knee airbag ====
The second driver-side and separate knee airbag was used in the [[Kia Sportage]] SUV and has been standard equipment since then. The airbag is located beneath the steering wheel.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/University-of-Extrication/Kia-Motors-Knee-Airbag-System/19$708 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20070731071404/http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/University-of-Extrication/Kia-Motors-Knee-Airbag-System/19$708 |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 July 2007 |title=Kia Motors' Knee Airbag System &#124; Firehouse.com |website=cms.firehouse.com |access-date=8 December 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-24-fi-9924-story.html |title=New Air Bag Will Aim For Knees, Legs |work=Los Angeles Times |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151208075015/http://articles.latimes.com/1996-05-24/business/fi-9924_1_chest-air-bags |archive-date=8 December 2015 |date=24 May 1996 }}</ref>

[[File:V08589P076.jpg|thumb|Deployed passenger knee airbag in a [[Toyota Tundra]] after a frontal collision test, the driver-side knee airbag was also deployed. Blue and yellow markings indicate the dummy's knees.]]

The [[Toyota Caldina]] introduced the first driver-side SRS knee airbag on the Japanese market in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/data/automotive_business/products_technology/technology_development/electronics_parts/index.html |title=Technical Development: Electronics Parts|work=toyota-global.com |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150324075624/http://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/data/automotive_business/products_technology/technology_development/electronics_parts/index.html |archive-date=24 March 2015 }}</ref> [[Toyota Avensis]] became the first vehicle sold in Europe equipped with a driver's knee airbag.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.toyota.eu/06_Safety/04_implementing_passive_safety/02_airbags.aspx |title=Airbags |work=Toyota Europe |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090624034121/http://www.toyota.eu/06_Safety/04_implementing_passive_safety/02_airbags.aspx |archive-date=24 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|url= http://www.toyoda-gosei.com/news/2003/030630.html |title=Euro NCAP praises the new Driver-Side SRS Knee Airbag manufactured by Toyoda Gosei |work=Toyoda Gosei |date=30 June 2003 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130619041547/http://www.toyoda-gosei.com/news/2003/030630.html |archive-date=19 June 2013 }}</ref> The [[EuroNCAP]] reported on the 2003 Avensis, "There has been much effort to protect the driver's knees and legs and a knee airbag worked well."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.euroncap.com/tests/toyota_avensis_2003/172.aspx |title=Toyota Avensis |publisher=Euro NCAP |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130624135027/http://euroncap.com/tests/toyota_avensis_2003/172.aspx |archive-date=24 June 2013 }}</ref> Since then certain models have also included front-passenger knee airbags, which deploy near or over the [[glove compartment]] in a crash. Knee airbags are designed to reduce leg injury. The knee airbag has become increasingly common since 2000.

==== Rear curtain airbag ====
In 2008, the new [[Toyota iQ]] microcar featured the first production rear-curtain shield airbag to protect the rear occupants' heads in the event of a rear-end impact.<ref>{{cite web |last=Abuelsamid |first=Sam |url= http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/30/toyota-develops-rear-curtain-airbag-for-tiny-iq/ |title=Toyota develops rear curtain airbag for tiny iQ |website=autobloggreen.com |date=30 September 2008 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090414062617/http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/30/toyota-develops-rear-curtain-airbag-for-tiny-iq |archive-date=14 April 2009 }}</ref>

==== Seat cushion airbag ====
Another feature of the Toyota iQ was a seat-cushion airbag in the passenger seat to prevent the pelvis from diving below the lap belt during a frontal impact or submarining.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/safety_technology/safety_technology/technology_file/passive/srs_airbag/seat_cushion.html |title=Mobility |access-date=1 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160225013819/http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/safety_technology/safety_technology/technology_file/passive/srs_airbag/seat_cushion.html |archive-date=25 February 2016 }}</ref> Later Toyota models such as the Yaris added the feature to the driver's seat, as well.

==== Seat-belt airbag ====
The seat-belt airbag is designed to better distribute the forces experienced by a buckled person in a crash using an increased seat belt area. This is done to reduce possible injuries to the rib cage or chest of the belt wearer.
*2010: [[Ford Explorer]]<ref name=fbeltairbags>{{cite web |url= https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2013/08/13/ford-expands-availability-of-rear-inflatable-safety-belt-to-2014.html |title=Ford Expands Availability of Rear Inflatable Safety Belt to 2014 Fusion |work=ford.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151006051112/https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2013/08/13/ford-expands-availability-of-rear-inflatable-safety-belt-to-2014.html |archive-date=6 October 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=17 September 2015}}</ref> and 2013 [[Ford Flex]]: optional rear seat belt airbags; standard on the 2013 [[Lincoln MKT]]
*2010: [[Lexus LFA]]<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://us.aving.net/news/view.php?articleId=177230 |title=Takata First to Commercialize Front Seat Safety "Airbelt" for Passenger Cars |website=us.aving.net/news |date=6 December 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140426234136/http://us.aving.net/news/view.php?articleId=177230 |archive-date=26 April 2014 |access-date=11 April 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> had seat belt airbags for driver and passenger<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-lexus-lfa-review |title=2012 Lexus LFA |work=Car and Driver |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150914203008/http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-lexus-lfa-review |archive-date=14 September 2015 |url-status=live|date=20 October 2009 }}</ref>
*2013: [[Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222)]] has rear seat ''belt bags''<ref>{{cite web |url= http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1549267-1-1549474-1-0-0-1549717-0-1-11702-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1419880077161 |title=Extended protection in the rear: The seat belt gets into top shape |work=daimler.com |date=19 November 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160102080537/http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-1549267-1-1549474-1-0-0-1549717-0-1-11702-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html?TS=1419880077161 |archive-date=2 January 2016 |url-status=dead |access-date=17 September 2015}}</ref>
*2014: [[Ford Mondeo (fourth generation)|Ford Mondeo Mk IV]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia-mobile/fap/th/en/news/2013/08/13/ford-mondeo-introduces-inflatable-seatbelts--a-ford-first-for-au.html |title=Ford Mondeo Introduces Inflatable Seatbelts, a Ford First for Australian customers |work=ford.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160102080537/https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia-mobile/fap/th/en/news/2013/08/13/ford-mondeo-introduces-inflatable-seatbelts--a-ford-first-for-au.html |archive-date=2 January 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> has optional rear seat belt airbags for the two outer seats<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/03/the-ford-inflatable-seat-belt-how-it-affects-car-seats-and-children/index.htm |title=The Ford inflatable seat belt: How it affects car seats and children |website=consumerreports.org |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150916051302/http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/03/the-ford-inflatable-seat-belt-how-it-affects-car-seats-and-children/index.htm |archive-date=16 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Cessna Aircraft]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://cessna.txtav.com/citation-service/featured-parts/amsafe-inflatable-seatbelts |title=AmSafe Inflatable Seatbelts |work=Cessna |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150914023903/http://cessna.txtav.com/citation-service/featured-parts/amsafe-inflatable-seatbelts |archive-date=14 September 2015}}</ref> also introduced seat belt airbags.<ref name = cessnaairbags/> They are as of 2003<ref name=cessnaairbags>{{cite web |url= http://www.flyingmag.com/blogs/fly-wire/are-airbags-worth-money |title=Are Airbags Worth the Money? |work=Flying Magazine |date=20 January 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160102080538/http://www.flyingmag.com/blogs/fly-wire/are-airbags-worth-money |archive-date=2 January 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> standard on the 172, 182, and 206.

==== Pedestrian airbag====
Airbag(s) mounted to the exterior of vehicles, so-called "pedestrian airbags", are designed to reduce injuries in the event of a vehicle to a pedestrian collision.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv23/23ESV-000447.PDF |title=Pedestrian Airbag Technology – a Production System |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161004224711/http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv23/23ESV-000447.PDF |archive-date=4 October 2016 |access-date=4 July 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> When a collision is detected the airbag will deploy and cover hard areas, such as a-pillars<ref name=LRDS>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqOJageFVY8 |title=Land Rover Discovery Sport – Pedestrian Airbag |last=LandRoverMENA |date=1 October 2014 |via=YouTube |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170602042022/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqOJageFVY8 |archive-date=2 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> and bonnet edges, before they can be struck by the pedestrian.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gauwfbKZAPc |title=YouTube |website=youtube.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170602042022/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gauwfbKZAPc |archive-date=2 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> 
When introduced in 2012 the [[Volvo V40 (P1)|Volvo V40]] included the world's first pedestrian airbag as standard.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |url= http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/volvo-offers-worlds-first-pedestrian-airbag/story-fn5fsgyc-1226579835911 |title=Volvo offers world's first pedestrian airbag |first=Joshua |last=Dowling |work= NewsComAu |date=17 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141202035414/http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/volvo-offers-worlds-first-pedestrian-airbag/story-fn5fsgyc-1226579835911 |archive-date=2 December 2014 |access-date=5 July 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> As a result, the V40 ranked highest (88%) in the EuroNCAP's pedestrian tests.<ref>{{cite web |language=en |url= http://www.euroncap.com/results/volvo/v40/485.aspx |title=Volvo V40 |publisher=Euro NCAP |date=August 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131015141326/http://www.euroncap.com/results/volvo/v40/485.aspx |archive-date=15 October 2013 |access-date=16 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Manufacturers====
Suppliers of SRS airbags include [[Autoliv]], [[Daicel]], [[TRW Automotive|TRW]], and [[Joyson Safety Systems|JSS]] (which owns Breed, Key Safety Systems, and Takata). The majority of impact sensors of airbags are manufactured by the Lanka Harness Company.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}