Side curtain airbags

Side curtain airbags are a type of vehicle technology that can help prevent death and injury in side impact crashes with poles, trees and high vehicles such as SUVs.

They can also help to prevent death and serious injury in any crash from the side where the head is at risk.

International research has indicated that side curtain airbags can provide an effective barrier against ejection in a roll-over crash, although this is not its main purpose.

Evaluation of side airbag systems

Research shows that side combination airbags, which include a side curtain airbag and thorax airbag to protect the head, neck, face and thorax, are highly effective in reducing death and injury in a crash. The analysis also shows:

• a 51 per cent reduction of injury to all body regions
• a 61 per cent reduction of injury to the head, neck, face and thorax
• a 53 per cent reduction of injury to the head, neck and face.

View the full research report on the MUARC website.

How effective are side curtain airbags?

Research shows that side curtain airbags can help prevent death and injury in side impact crashes with poles, trees and high vehicles such as SUVs. Side curtain airbags can help to prevent death and serious injury in any crash from the side where the head is at risk.

What is the difference between side curtain airbags and thorax airbags?

Side combination airbags which include a side curtain airbag and a thorax airbag, protect an occupant’s the head, neck, face and thorax in the event of a crash. Side curtain airbags can be located in the front and rear of the vehicle.

Thorax airbags are designed to protect an occupant’s chest during a side impact crash. Thorax airbags are located either in the vehicle’s door or wing of the seat.

Where can I find out more information

TAC’s website howsafeisyourcar.com.au provides a list of searchable vehicles with both front and rear side curtain airbags.