Cars with side air bags safer:

A new study from the Monash University Accident Research Centre shows that side airbags have a significant effect in reducing injury.

The study, which looked at 52,000 insurance claims involving crashed vehicles between 2001 and 2009, reports that vehicles with side airbags resulted in an overall reduction in body injuries to passengers by 51 per cent.

Side impact vehicle crashes account for 25 per cent of casualties and 28 per cent of fatalities according to NRMA vehicle safety expert, Jack Haley.

“The Monash University research shows how critical side airbag systems are in protecting vehicle occupants from death and serious injury,” Mr Haley said.

The research study analysed a range of side airbag systems. The results showed that combination airbags, which protect the head, neck, face and thorax (the area between the neck and the diaphragm), are highly effective in reducing death and injury in a crash and resulted in a 61 per cent reduction in injury to the head, neck, face and thorax

NSW Centre for Road Safety General Manager Marg Prendergast said drivers should choose a vehicle with proven safety features – such as side curtain airbags – to protect themselves and their passengers in the event of a crash.

Ms Prendergast said that in 30 vehicles rated by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program this year, 29 have had side curtain airbags.

“We encourage all vehicle manufacturers to continue this trend in the interest of occupant safety.”

Further information:

A copy of the report is available here.

See also www.ancap.com.au for an independent safety assessment of new vehicles.