If an airbag is overinflated, it can lead to several safety concerns:

1. Increased Force of Deployment: An overinflated airbag deploys with more force than necessary. This can cause injury to the occupants, especially in smaller or more vulnerable individuals such as children or the elderly. The excessive force can result in bruising, broken bones, or even more severe injuries.
2. Reduced Cushioning Effect: Airbags are designed to cushion the blow during a collision. Overinflation may reduce their effectiveness as a cushion, increasing the likelihood of injury from the force of the impact.
3. Risk of Rupture: An overinflated airbag is under greater pressure, increasing the risk of rupture during deployment. If the airbag bursts, it may release sharp fragments of material or cause other hazards.
4. Damage to Vehicle Interior: Overinflation could also damage the vehicle’s interior components, such as the dashboard or steering wheel, upon deployment.

To avoid such issues, airbag systems are carefully calibrated to deploy at specific pressure levels to maximize safety and minimize injury risks.

If an airbag is overinflated, several potential dangers can arise:

1. Excessive Force on Occupants: Overinflated airbags can deploy with more force than intended. This can result in more violent impacts with the occupant, leading to injuries such as broken bones, facial injuries, or even head and neck trauma. The risk is particularly higher for smaller passengers, children, or those sitting too close to the airbag.
2. Reduced Cushioning Effectiveness: Airbags are designed to inflate to a certain level to cushion occupants during a collision. If overinflated, the airbag becomes too rigid and fails to provide adequate cushioning, potentially causing more harm than good during the crash.
3. Increased Risk of Rupture: Overinflation puts more pressure on the airbag material, increasing the likelihood of the airbag bursting upon deployment. A ruptured airbag may release dangerous fragments or fail to protect the occupant properly, leading to severe injury.
4. Damage to the Vehicle’s Interior: The excessive pressure from an overinflated airbag can cause damage to the dashboard, steering wheel, or other interior components, potentially contributing to hazards during a crash.

Overall, airbags must inflate to a specific pressure to ensure occupant safety, and overinflation significantly compromises their effectiveness and safety.