Airbags

Airbags are not a new idea. They have been around since the 70’s but (back then) were not widely embraced by the public. The public was not keen on the idea of something exploding in their face….You know to keep them safe. This didn’t seem like a great idea and it was not widely embraced.

http://www.nytimes.com/…/airbag-maker-takata-is-said-to-hav…

It wasn’t until Chrysler came out with this commercial (in the late 80’s) where they showed America exactly what an airbag was.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN6Z_gZTI2A

After this ad (and similar commercials) educated the public to exactly what an airbag was, and how it worked, that air bags gained wide spread acceptance.

People liked the idea of a big fluffy pillow unfolding in front of them to keep them safe. That wasn’t an explosion at all, and it certainly wasn’t something that needed to be feared. It looked especially inviting when shown in super slow motion.

Today Airbars are found in all cars, but it seems we have come full circle. Now we find out the explosion (in your face) sometimes will kill you. The disintegrated canisters can indeed shoot metal fragments through the fluffy bag and into your head or neck. It is especially disturbing that this was known (and hidden from the public) for years. 14 million cars have now been recalled.

Maybe Chrysler should start reshowing their old commercial to reassure people that fluffy pillows are still all good.

Until then you might want to avoid having an accident. As appealing as it may seem to experience the fluffy pillow, as it turns out they may still kill you. So drive safe.