Hyundai: More safety with side airbag
HEAD PROTECTION The Hyundai Motor Group has developed a new type of side airbag to further enhance the safety of its automobiles. The manufacturer will install the technology in future production cars. The system works like this: In the event of a side impact, the airbag slides between the driver and front passenger, protecting both occupants from head injuries. Airbag between driver and front passenger [...]
The system works like this: In the event of a side impact, the airbag slides between the driver and front passenger, protecting both occupants from head injuries.
Airbag between driver and passenger
The new, centrally installed side airbag is housed in the driver's seat and is triggered as soon as the sensors detect corresponding forces from a side impact. The airbag then deploys in the space between the driver and front passenger. If the front passenger seat is not occupied, the airbag protects the driver from the consequences of a collision on the right side.
Fewer injuries to the head
Hyundai expects the number of head injuries that occur when car occupants collide to decrease by 80 percent with the use of the central side airbag.
According to the European Automobile Association, around 45 percent of the consequential damage in an accident is caused by the heads colliding or the head hitting the interior.
Give greater consideration to side impact
To reduce the weight and size of the airbag while ensuring the highest possible reliability, Hyundai has used patented new technologies: for example, an integrated component called a tether allows the airbag to retain its shape while withstanding the weight of the vehicle occupant.
It is expected that the revised Euro NCAP (means New Car Assessment Program) crash standards for 2020 will take greater account of side impacts. Thus, the new airbag will prove beneficial not only in practice but also in this evaluation.
