Objects such as keys or passes attached to a lanyard are specific examples of items that may cause injury if not removed whilst driving. In one crash, the pressure of the airbag forced the lanyard and pass into the driver’s chest causing a lung to collapse. On another occasion, a set of keys attached to a lanyard perforated the bowel of the wearer. Incidents of this nature serve as an important reminder to drivers of the dangers caused by having any items other than soft clothing between the driver and an airbag.
Chris North FCII is a respected industry leader with over 40 years' experience, who has worked in the insurance industry in a variety of roles, accumulating a wealth of knowledge. He is currently Technical Manager for Towergate's motor division, providing expertise on all matters relating to motor fleet insurance, in particular haulage and self-drive hire fleets.
European airbags typically hold 35 litres of gas propellant, expand at a speed close to 160 miles per hour and take around 25 milli-seconds to fully inflate. Given the speed of deployment and the forces involved, it’s vital to minimise the risk of injury caused by the presence of any object between the driver and the airbag. The closer the driver or passenger is to the airbag deployment zone, the greater the risk of injury. To reduce that risk, the following points need to be kept in mind:
If your airbag activates, it's likely due to a crash, and while it can save your life, you might find that your truck is not so lucky.
We can offer tailored truck insurance with a series of options for drivers of single trucks or hauliers with fleets of up to five HGVs. Our cover ensures you have the right cover in place within a single policy, with no truck too big or too small. We can cover any truck ranging in size from 3.5t vehicles right through to trucks used to move abnormal loads.
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Date: August 20, 2021
Category: Commercial Vehicle