‘Airbags deploy faster than you think; keep children out of front seat,’ says expert

Malappuram: The tragic event in which a two-year-old girl died after an airbag deployed during a car accident in Malappuram serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures when travelling with children in vehicles. The young girl was sitting on her mother’s lap when the airbag struck her face following a collision with a tanker lorry.

Experts emphasise that airbags deploy much faster than one might expect, making it extremely dangerous for young children to be in the front seat. In light of this accident, Muralee Thummarukudy, head of the United Nations Disaster Mitigation Department, has spoken out about the critical need for child safety in cars.

Parents are urged to take specific precautions to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This includes always using the back seat for young children, ensuring they are properly secured in age-appropriate car seats, and never allowing them to sit in a passenger seat where an airbag could pose a risk.

In his Facebook post, Murali Thummarukudi highlights the critical issue of child safety in cars, noting that while most modern vehicles are equipped with airbags, many people have never witnessed their deployment. He recalls a frightening experience during an accident where he saw how quickly airbags activate, raising concerns about their impact on passengers, particularly children and those wearing glasses.

Thummarukudi also points out that in countries with stringent safety regulations, it is illegal for children to sit in the front seat, usually requiring them to be at least twelve years old or 130 cm tall. Violators face fines and other penalties. He emphasises that children should always be placed in appropriate car seats from the day they are born. "He also recalls a safety seminar held in Kerala in 2010, where he notes the lack of available child seats for demonstration. Thummarukudi urges parents to prioritise child safety, insisting that children should never be in the front seat.