Airbags in cars are typically designed to deploy in moderate to severe crashes, generally when the impact is equivalent to hitting a solid barrier at 8 to 14 miles per hour (13 to 23 kilometers per hour). However, it’s essential to note that airbag deployment is not solely dependent on the force of impact but also considers factors such as the angle of impact, deceleration rate, and other sensor data. Modern cars are equipped with sophisticated sensors that analyze various parameters to determine if airbag deployment is necessary to protect the occupants. As a safety precaution, it’s important to wear seat belts regardless of whether airbags deploy, as seat belts work in conjunction with airbags to provide the best protection in a crash.

Setting off a car’s airbag by kicking it is highly unlikely. Airbags are triggered by sensors specifically designed to detect the rapid deceleration associated with a collision. These sensors measure factors such as the speed of the vehicle, the angle of impact, and the force of the collision. Kicking a stationary car, even with considerable force, is unlikely to replicate the conditions that would trigger airbag deployment in a crash. Additionally, tampering with or attempting to trigger airbags in this manner can be dangerous and may cause damage to the vehicle’s safety systems. It’s crucial to remember that airbags are a critical safety feature designed to deploy in the event of a collision to protect occupants, and they should not be tampered with or tested inappropriately.

The speed at which an airbag hits you during deployment varies depending on several factors, including the design of the vehicle’s airbag system, the severity of the crash, and the distance between the occupant and the airbag module.

Typically, airbags deploy within milliseconds of a crash occurring, and they inflate rapidly to provide a cushioning effect to occupants. The speed at which the airbag inflates can be as high as 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour) in the initial stages of deployment. However, this speed rapidly decreases as the airbag inflates and begins to cushion the occupant. By the time the occupant makes contact with the airbag, the speed of impact is significantly reduced.

It’s important to note that airbags are designed to deploy with a force that is sufficient to restrain the occupant and help mitigate the impact of the collision, but not so forceful as to cause injury themselves. The goal is to reduce the risk of serious injuries such as head trauma or chest injuries by providing a controlled cushioning effect during a crash.