Airbag effectiveness in real world crashes in Australia

UK accident data show that, without an airbag, head contacts with steering wheels remain a common cause of head injury to belted drivers in frontal crashes. Analysis of Australian data revealed reductions in the numbers of all injuries to the head, face chest and neck in airbag-equipped vehicles but an increase in upper extremity injuries. At higher injury severities (AIS2+) reductions were also observed in injuries to the head, face, neck and chest. The mean HARM was reduced from Aus $40.8 thousand to Aus $25.2 thousand in airbag equipped cars.