ARC Airbag Inflators: A Fatal Risk (2023)

Airbags are meant to save lives in the event of an accident, but what happens when they become the cause of fatalities? The ARC airbag inflators have recently come under scrutiny due to their involvement in a fatal accident. In this article, we will discuss ARC airbag inflators and their potential risks.

Introduction

The safety of a vehicle is paramount, and airbags are one of the most critical safety features in a car. The airbag inflator is responsible for inflating the airbag in the event of a collision. The ARC airbag inflator is a relatively new technology that has been developed to improve airbag safety. However, recent incidents have raised concerns about its safety.

What Are ARC Airbag Inflators?

ARC stands for Ammonium Nitrate-based gas generator with Resin-coated catalyst. ARC airbag inflators use ammonium nitrate to generate gas and inflate the airbag. They were developed as a safer alternative to traditional airbag inflators, which use sodium azide as the propellant. The use of ammonium nitrate was thought to be safer as it produces fewer toxic gases in the event of a deployment.

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The Risks Associated with ARC Airbag Inflators

Despite being developed as a safer alternative, the ARC airbag inflators have been linked to fatal accidents. In 2023, two people died, and four were injured due to an ARC airbag inflator deploying with excessive force in a car accident. The incident involved a 2019 model car with an ARC airbag inflator manufactured by a major automotive supplier. This incident has led to a recall of over 100,000 vehicles equipped with ARC airbag inflators.

The Cause of ARC Airbag Inflator Failures

The cause of ARC airbag inflator failures is still under investigation. However, it is believed that the ammonium nitrate used in the inflator can become unstable over time, leading to the inflator rupturing when deployed. This can cause metal shrapnel to be propelled into the vehicle, leading to serious injuries or fatalities.

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The Response from the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry has responded to the concerns raised about ARC airbag inflators. Several car manufacturers have issued recalls for vehicles equipped with ARC airbag inflators. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into the safety of ARC airbag inflators.

What Can You Do If You Have an ARC Airbag Inflator in Your Vehicle?

If you own a vehicle equipped with an ARC airbag inflator, it is crucial to check if your car is included in the recall. You can check the NHTSA’s website to see if your vehicle is affected. If your car is included in the recall, you should take it to a dealership to have the airbag inflator replaced.

Alternatives to ARC Airbag Inflators

If you are looking to purchase a car or replace the airbag inflator in your current vehicle, it is essential to consider alternatives to ARC airbag inflators. Sodium azide-based inflators have been the industry standard for decades and are considered safe. Additionally, several car manufacturers have developed alternative inflator technologies that do not use ammonium nitrate.

Conclusion

ARC airbag inflators were developed as a safer alternative to traditional airbag inflators, but recent incidents have raised concerns about their safety. The use of ammonium nitrate in the inflator has been linked to fatal accidents, leading to recalls and investigations. If you own a vehicle equipped with an ARC airbag inflator, it is crucial to check if your car is affected by the

If your car is affected by the recall, it is recommended to take it to a dealership to have the airbag inflator replaced. When purchasing a new car or replacing the airbag inflator in your current vehicle, consider alternatives to ARC airbag inflators.

Overall, the safety of airbags is crucial, and incidents like these highlight the importance of rigorous safety testing before implementing new technologies in vehicles. As consumers, it’s essential to stay informed about any recalls or safety concerns regarding our vehicles to ensure our safety and the safety of others on the road.

FAQs

1. What are ARC airbag inflators? ARC airbag inflators are a relatively new technology that uses ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbag in a vehicle during a collision.
2. Why are ARC airbag inflators considered unsafe? ARC airbag inflators have been linked to fatal accidents due to the inflator rupturing and propelling metal shrapnel into the vehicle, causing serious injuries or fatalities.
3. How can I check if my car has an ARC airbag inflator? You can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if your vehicle is affected by the recall.
4. What should I do if my car has an ARC airbag inflator? If your car has an ARC airbag inflator, it is recommended to take it to a dealership to have the airbag inflator replaced.
5. Are there alternatives to ARC it? Yes, there are alternatives to ARC airbag inflators, such as sodium azide-based inflators or alternative inflator technologies developed by some car manufacturers. It’s essential to consider these options when purchasing a new car or replacing the airbag inflator in your current vehicle.