If the airbag is not deployed during a vehicle crash:

The statement that if the airbag does not deploy during a vehicle crash, it will present a hazard for both the vehicle occupant and rescue personnel is grounded in the understanding of how airbags function and the potential risks they pose when they fail to deploy. While airbags are designed to deploy during significant impact to add a layer of protection, a non-deployed airbag can inadvertently become a hazard.

In the event of a crash, a deployed airbag cushions the occupant and can help absorb some of the energy from the impact. If the airbag does not deploy, the vehicle’s occupant may be at higher risk of injury from the steering wheel and dashboard, as they are unprotected during the event. Consequently, this heightens the probability of serious injuries that could complicate the rescue process. Additionally, rescue personnel need to be cautious around an undeployed airbag because it could still potentially deploy if the right conditions are met, such as a vehicle moving or an electrical failure, creating a risk of injury during extrication.

Understanding these dynamics is critical for firefighters and rescue personnel to ensure they maintain safety protocols and avoid situations that could lead to injury for both themselves and the vehicle’s occupants during rescue operations.