Who are airbags primarily designed for?

Airbags are primarily designed for adults. The functionality and deployment of airbags rely on the average size and weight of adult occupants for effective safety performance. In a crash, airbags inflate rapidly to provide cushioning and reduce the risk of injury by preventing contact between the occupant and hard surfaces inside the vehicle.

For adults, the positioning of airbags is optimized to protect the head, neck, and chest. Children, seniors, and teenagers have different physical dimensions and proportions, making them at higher risk for injury when an airbag deploys, particularly if they are seated improperly or using inappropriate restraint systems. For instance, children in car seats may not benefit from airbags since they are often seated lower and may not be in the correct position for airbag deployment to be effective.

In summary, the design and deployment of airbags focus on providing maximum protection for adults, accounting for their size and the way they are typically seated within a vehicle. This underlines the importance of age-appropriate restraints and seating positions for younger passengers and occupants of smaller stature.