GEM Motoring Assist (GEM) in the UK, is concerned that many drivers and front seat passengers have no idea what happens when an airbag is deployed as a result of a collision. They were made aware of this by GEM member Matt Day, who wrote to them describing his first experience of an airbag doing its job admirably when he was involved in a crash.

“We were thankful for the extremely fast deployment of the airbags,” said Matt. When the airbags inflated, Matt’s car filled with smoke from the mini explosion (which was necessary to deploy them). “I could sense the car filling with smoke and my initial reaction was to get out. In a situation where you might be best off not moving at all, especially if you are injured, your first reaction is to try and get out of the car,” he said. David Williams of GEM confirmed that the chances of a car exploding are extremely remote and badly injured people should not try to move until help arrives. “Explaining what happens when an airbag inflates is something we will now be adding to our web site – www.motoringassist.com,” Williams said.