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what are SRS airbag

Jul 17, 2025, 12:00:00 AM GMT

What Are SRS Airbags and How Do They Work?

 

Modern cars are built with an SRS airbag System, an abbreviation of a Supplemental Restraint System. These airbags function as safety features as they are meant to shield passengers during an accident. In other words, an SRS airbag system owes its function to the discharge and installation of airbags in the occurrence of an accident to introduce safety for the driver and the people inside the car. The SRS airbags are not like normal airbags that work on their own ; instead, the SRS airbags are connected to other devices, such as sensors and a control unit. This system controls when the airbags should be deployed and how, and hence provides passengers with extra support and protection. 

 

How Do SRS Air Bags Work?


SRS airbags are designed to enhance the safety of everyone in the car. Here's a closer look at how they function:

 

1. Detection and Deployment


The process starts with sensors that monitor the car's movement. These sensors rapidly inform the airbag control module whenever there is a crash. The module then decides whether the airbags should inflate, depending on how severe the crash is.

 

2. Airbag inflation


During accidents, a small explosion occurs in the airbag, releasing nitrogen gas into the bag, which inflates it. This process occurs within seconds, and the airbag is already in a position to cushion you and protect you from getting hurt. 

 

3. Deflation and Safety


After the airbag goes off, it lets out gas through small holes. This prevents the airbag from blocking anything if there’s another accident or if the car rolls over. Once the airbag has been used, it has to be replaced to ensure the car is safe for future use.

 

Types of SRS Airbags


SRS airbags have different forms and are designed to protect the various parts of your body in the event of collisions. Here are the main types:

 

- Front Airbags

Front airbags are installed in the steering wheel and dashboard to protect passengers when a head-on collision occurs, reducing harm to upper body parts, including the head.

 

- Side Airbags

Side Airbags — Located in the seats or doors and protect passengers during side-impact collisions by covering the chest and abdomen.

 

- Curtain Airbags

Mounted in the roof liner, these will protect what would otherwise be a passenger's melon from gobsmackery in serious side or rollover impacts. They cover windows to reduce head injuries.


- Knee Airbags
Placed below the dash, knee airbags are designed to keep passengers' legs from making contact with a dashboard in a frontal collision.

 

Benefits of SRS Airbags

 

- Enhanced Protection
RS airbags can effectively reduce the risk of injury to occupants. They rapidly deploy between the occupants and the rigid structure within the first few milliseconds following a serious impact.

 

- Complement Seat Belts
Seat belts are the primary restraint system, and SRS airbags serve as a supplemental restraint system. Together, they help provide additional protection against severe injury.

 

- Reduced Fatalities
Studies have shown that SRS airbags, thanks to their advanced technology and rapid deployment, significantly reduce the likelihood of fatalities in serious accidents.

 

Advanced SRS Airbag Design in BYD Cars


It should also be noted that driving BYD vehicles enhances the passengers' safety through the adoption of revolutionary safety features. SRS airbags are well positioned all around the car to ensure the highest levels of safety and protection to the occupants regardless of their location inside the vehicle. At the same time, BYD reduced the inflation speed of airbags and their cushioning performance to make the passenger feel the impact at the minimum level in the event of an accident.

 

Limitations and Considerations


Although existing SRS airbags are undeniably helpful in terms of safety, one has to realize that they have specific restrictions. 
Airbags could fail to inflate in minor collisions, which means they do not protect in cases where the crash is minimal. Besides, fast inflation of the airbags often leads to minor bruises and traumas. However, these injuries are much less serious than what could happen without the airbags.

 

Conclusion

 

SRS airbags have significantly improved vehicle safety. They function alongside seat belts to reduce the severity of collisions and save lives. The integration of cutting-edge SRS airbag technology in BYD vehicles showcases the brand's dedication to passenger safety. These systems are crafted to deliver top-notch protection, giving drivers and passengers peace of mind. Take a closer look at BYD's safety features and exclusive offers, all designed with your well-being in mind.