What is a fundamental consideration regarding the operation of passive safety systems, such as seatbelts or airbags?

Question

DentroTest · Accepted Answer

Passive safety systems (seatbelts, airbags, headrests, crumple zones, etc.) have the main objective of reducing injury consequences once an accident has occurred; they do not prevent the accident (that is the function of active safety). It is vital to understand that these elements are designed to work together and under specific conditions. If used incorrectly (for example, not wearing a seatbelt nullifies the effectiveness of the airbag and makes it dangerous, or wearing the seatbelt loosely or over bulky clothing), they can lose their effectiveness or even cause more serious injuries than those they aim to prevent (submarining effect, aggravated whiplash, airbag burns, etc.).

What is a fundamental consideration regarding the operation of passive safety systems, such as seatbelts or airbags?

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