Preventing serious accidents

We seem to hear of serious or fatal traffic accidents on a daily basis. Reasons given are usually very sketchy. No need for any graphic descriptions. I venture to suggest that airbags are to blame in a high percentage of accidents.

Don’t get me wrong. The wearing of seatbelts and use of airbags, along with other technology used in car design, contribute significantly to the safety of drivers and passengers in a head-on collision. What is missing is how these life-saving devices are used.

Over time I conducted some informal research. I asked new drivers if airbags were mentioned during lessons. No positive answers so far. With more experienced drivers I often had light bulbs go on.

In a head-on collision, an airbag is like a large bullet, albeit soft in texture, being shot at the driver. There are certain mandatory conditions required, though. The driver cannot be too close to the steering wheel. Definitely and more importantly forearms must be away from the centre of the steering wheel.

Just imagine what happens when that arm is hit point blank at a speed of over 100kph when the airbag is being prevented from doing what it was designed to do. Some Transport Malta initiative, education and public service awareness by the media will go a long way to reduce serious injuries in head-on accidents.