There are many things to consider when buying a new vehicle, including how safe it is. As an experienced car accident attorney, Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas knows how challenging it can be to know for sure if a car is safe. One thing that’s been made clear in recent years and studies is that side airbags can help save lives in T-bone accidents. Not all cars have them and there are no guidelines about what is required when they’re installed. Read on to learn more about how they may be a must-have for your next vehicle.
Should side airbags be required and / or regulated
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has regulations that mandates front airbags and they come under strict regulations. This is not the case for side airbags. Not only are they not required, but they are not regulated. If the NHTSA wants more people to survive car accidents and avoid catastrophic injuries, then they must get on board and offer rules for installation at a minimum.
The evidence is clear: Vehicle side airbags can save lives
A T-bone accident involves a car or truck getting hit on the side by another car. It most often happens at intersections. If this happens, then there’s nothing to protect those in the car from the blow – unless they have side airbags. Remember that the panel of a door is thin and provides very little protection. In fact, six out of ten people who are killed in side-impact accidents have a traumatic brain injury. Other injuries caused by T-bone accidents include neck, shoulder, torso, and check injuries.
Then consider that in 2009 more than 25% of fatal car accidents in the United States involved side impacts. Another study concluded that at least 700 and up to 1,000 people could be saved in fatal car accidents if they’d had side airbags. Still, even with this information, the NHTSA has not provided mandates for side impact airbags.
There are standards regarding side airbags but they’re not what we need
The truth is that there are indeed standards in place regarding the use of side airbags. However, these standards weren’t developed by a government agency, they were developed by a private group of auto safety experts called Technical Working Group. What’s more, not all manufacturers are in compliance with these standards because the standards are not mandated.
You can tell if your vehicle is in compliance with these standards by checking the website Safer Car and looking for an “M” next to its make and model. You can also find information in the owner’s manual regarding whether it has met the safety standards for side airbags.
If you’ve been involved in an accident in which a side airbag may have helped reduce or prevent injuries then we want to hear from you. If another person or entity was at least partially responsible for the accident then you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now to start with a free legal consultation.
