Out of sight, out of mind. This is a phrase that we often use to describe something that is easily dismissed or not important unless it is not in our direct view. The airbags in our vehicles definitely fall into this category, but this should not be the case. If they are ignored, they can hurt as much as they help during a collision.

(Photo: Flickr user, ohmannalianne)

If I were to place a bet on whether you had read the entire section in your vehicle's owner's manual about airbags I would bet that you haven't. I make this guess based on what I see happening around me in traffic when I travel. You would not be a front seat passenger with your feet up on the dash if you truly understood what would happen to you if that airbag deployed. Ditto with a pillow against the B pillar sleeping if your vehicle has side curtain airbags.

An airbag deployment is really a controlled explosion. It has to be ready in the blink of an eye in order to get between you and your vehicle in time to protect you. Remember, the trigger occurs after the start of the collision with whatever you are colliding with and the force of deployment is significant.

You may consider it too boring to bother with but it may fall into the category of "you'll be glad that you did." If you haven't read your vehicle's owner's manual about seatbelts and airbags, it's time to dig it out now. The education is worth your time and could save you from serious injury.

The author is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. To comment or learn more, please visit www.drivesmartbc.ca.