Airbag Safety and Important Information on the Takata Airbag Recall

There has been a lot of information recently released regarding the Takata Corporation airbag recall. The number of defective Takata airbags on the road is stunning and the recall is of unprecedented size and scope. Affecting millions of people, a recall of this size is leaving many drivers confused. Read on for more information regarding this specific recall and information on airbag safety for you and your family.

What’s the Deal With Takata?

Takata Corporation made history this month by announcing a recall that affects upwards of 34 million vehicles, or about one in seven on the vehicles on the road.

Which Automakers Are Affected?

There are 11 total automakers involved in the Takata airbag recall so far, with more to be released as NHTSA continues its investigation. Those identified to date include:

• Honda
• Toyota
• BMW
• Chrysler
• Ford
• Mazda
• Mitsubishi
• Nissan
• Subaru
• Daimler Trucks
• Pontiac
• GM

For a full list of affected vehicles, check the NHTSA site. To check your specific VIN, go to safercar.gov.

Understanding the Different Types of Airbags

Your car may come with any combination of airbag placements. Modern cars may have up to a dozen airbags, so use this as a guide to find the airbags in your car.

• Side Airbags – These airbags protect you from impacts on the side of the car. They are further divided into torso airbags (found on the side of the seat) and curtain airbag (deploys from the ceiling.) These work together to protect your torso and head during a collision.
• Front Airbags – Since 1995, every car in the United States must contain dual front airbags. The driver’s side front airbag will deploy from the steering wheel, and the passenger’s airbag deploys from the dashboard. These airbags protect your face and chest during a collision.
• Knee Airbags – Many automakers offer knee airbags on newer models of cars. These airbags prevent serious injury, as they come out from under the dashboard to stop the occupant’s knees from colliding with the hard surface of the dash, which often results in a shattered kneecap.

When operating properly, this orchestra of airbags works harmoniously to protect you from all angles. Unfortunately, the faulty Takata airbags release shrapnel when they deploy, and can cause serious injury or even death to a vehicle’s occupants. The defective Takata airbags not only deprive an occupant of the safety benefits for which an airbag is intended, but the release of shrapnel can cause additional injuries as well.

Airbag Safety Tips

Just because your car has airbags does not automatically make you safe during a collision. In order to get the most out of your airbags, make sure you follow these safety tips while you’re driving:

• Front airbags do not eliminate the need for a seatbelt. Make sure you are always wearing your seatbelt while in a moving vehicle.
• Always put children in the back seat. Kids under the age of 13 should never ride in the front seat of a car, as the air bags are not positioned for their size.
• Get your airbags checked whenever your air bag indicator light is on. A faulty airbag may deploy incorrectly or not at all during a collision.

What to do if Your Car is Involved in the Takata Recall

Approximately one in seven cars on the road are included in this recall, so make sure you check your VIN to see if yours is included. If your car is included in the recall, take it in to your dealership to request replacement parts.

Due to the high demand for these replacement airbags, you may find yourself on a waiting list for new air bags. If you are feeling unsafe driving your car, you can request a loaner from your dealership until the replacement parts arrive.

If you’ve been injured due to a faulty Takata airbag, get in touch with an Atlanta defective product attorney today. The sooner you begin the process, the sooner you can receive the settlement you deserve. Contact us at Harris Lowry Manton for more information on Auto Defects and Defective Product Liability suits today.
Image Courtesy of: Shutterstock