It turns out that the inflatable bag of air that shoots out of your steering wheel or dashboard is the result of a controlled explosion of solid fuel, just like in a rocket – aimed for your face.
# Stuff You Should Know - Airbags Episode Summary
Josh and Chuck explore the surprisingly complex world of airbags, diving into how these lifesaving devices evolved from a rejected 1950s patent to the high-tech safety systems in modern cars today. They break down the fascinating physics and engineering behind airbag deployment—including the wild fact that they inflate in just 30-thousandths of a second using what's essentially a controlled explosion of sodium azide—and explain why proper seating position, seatbelt usage, and sitting back at least 10 inches from the steering wheel are crucial for your safety. The guys also tackle some uncomfortable truths about airbags, from their potential dangers in low-speed crashes to the massive Takata recall affecting millions of vehicles worldwide.
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