When an airbag deploys in a vehicle collision, the entire process of inflation, protection, and deflation happens very rapidly:
- Inflation time: Airbags typically inflate within about 20 to 50 milliseconds (0.02 to 0.05 seconds) after the crash sensors detect a collision. This rapid inflation speed-up to 200 mph-is essential to position the airbag in front of the occupant before they move forward due to the impact
- Protection duration: Once fully inflated, the airbag cushions and protects the driver or passenger almost immediately. The occupant begins to move upon impact, and the airbag inflates in roughly 30 milliseconds to absorb the energy and reduce injury
- Deflation time: After inflation, the airbag starts to deflate through small vents within about 75 to 85 milliseconds after the crash. This deflation allows the occupant to move and exit the vehicle safely after the collision
In summary, the airbag inflates in about 20–50 milliseconds, provides protection during the critical milliseconds of the crash, and then deflates within a fraction of a second (under a tenth of a second) to allow occupant movement post-impact
