How do airbags contribute to reducing the impact of a crash on passengers?

Airbags contribute significantly to passenger safety during a crash primarily by providing cushioning. When a vehicle suddenly decelerates due to a collision, passengers experience rapid forward motion, which can result in serious injuries upon impact with hard surfaces, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. The airbags deploy instantly, creating a soft barrier that absorbs some of the force exerted on the passenger's body.

This cushioning effect minimizes the risk of injury by distributing the impact force over a larger area and providing a more forgiving surface to come into contact with. By doing so, airbags effectively reduce the severity of injuries that could occur from hitting hard structures inside the car. While other factors, such as energy absorption and passenger positioning, are relevant to overall crash safety, the primary role of airbags is to absorb impact and cushion passengers, directly contributing to their safety in the event of a collision.