Air bag question?

[Snow Slide]

Anybody know what kind of accident it takes to make an air bag go off? Reason for asking. My Mother-in-law took her 02 Trailblazer for a little off road excursion the other day. She lost control on icy roads, went down a 30 ft bank and hit a tree square in the center. She was'nt hurt, but the Trailblazer crumpled in up to the radiator. Anyways it wasn't a fast crash, but there was substantial damage and an abrupt stop. Seems thats what air bags are for right? Thought I'd throw that out there...Any stories or comments. Thanks...

 

[MikesTNF]

I loaned my 95 Z28 to a friend who lost control and hit a parked car. Speed wasn't very high and there was only cosmetic damage to the front left corner of my car (cracked fender and bumper cover and small kink in the hood), but both airbags deployed. The airbags actually did more damage to my car than the accident. Insurance decided to total my car because of the cost to replace airbags and repair the dashboard. Luckily I have connections to get cheap parts so I took my insurance money, bought back the car and am doing the repairs myself.

 

[DamonCollins]

Me and my Av hit the beginning of a gaurdrail and made me flip end over end...no air bags went off. ... Av was totaled by ins.
Yes, it was quite a ride. However, I was not hurt, so they did not need to go off.
Thanks,
Damon

 

[ygmn]

It depends on the deceleration Vector of the vehicle ...that is the stopping force and the direction.....

also body weight of passenger/driver as these 2nd and 3rd generation air bags adjust for this as well....

HTH