seat belt systems. Newer side-impact airbag modules consist of compressed-air cylinders that are triggered in the event of a side-on vehicle impact.

The first commercial designs were introduced in passenger automobiles during the 1970s. These designs saw limited success and caused some fatalities. Broad commercial adoption of airbags occurred in many markets during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Active vs. passive safety

Airbags are considered "passive" restraints and act as a supplement to "active" restraints. Because

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