What is the recommended distance to stay away from side airbags?

The recommended distance to stay away from side airbags is 5 inches. This guideline is based on the safety considerations for both passengers and drivers in vehicles equipped with side airbags. Staying at least 5 inches away from the deployment zone of side airbags reduces the risk of injury during a deployment, which can occur with considerable force. Side airbags are designed to inflate rapidly in the event of a collision to protect occupants from side impacts, and being within this recommended distance ensures adequate space for the airbag to deploy safely without causing harm.

The other distances suggested exceed the typical recommendations, which may lead to a misunderstanding of the necessary safety parameters. Being too far from the airbag, while it seems safer, may not be necessary as the 5-inch guideline has been established based on research into safe deployment distances and the effective range of airbags in protecting occupants during a crash. Therefore, maintaining a distance of 5 inches is considered sufficient to balance safety and effectiveness in airbag deployment.