How do airbags prevent injury?

Airbags are designed to enhance vehicle safety and reduce the risk of injury during a collision by employing two primary mechanisms. Firstly, they spread the crash forces over a larger area of the upper body, which minimizes the concentration of force on any single point. This distribution of force helps to prevent severe injuries that could occur if a passenger were to come into abrupt contact with hard surfaces, such as the steering wheel or dashboard.

Secondly, airbags serve as a form of upper body restraint. When deployed in an accident, they create a cushioning barrier between the occupant and the vehicle’s interior, significantly reducing the likelihood of the occupant striking those hard surfaces. This dual function is crucial in protecting various parts of the body, especially the head, neck, and chest, from injury during a crash, leading to a substantially lower risk of severe injuries.

The combination of these two actions—spreading crash forces and providing restraint—works synergistically to enhance the overall safety of vehicle occupants, which is why the correct answer encompasses both functions.