Airbag-Related Ocular and Facial Trauma in Unrestrained Pediatric Front-Seat Passengers: A Report of Two Cases.

Airbags are considered a crucial safety feature in vehicles, offering significant protection by cushioning the occupants during collisions. During a collision, sudden deceleration or impact within a specified angle relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis triggers crash sensors throughout the vehicle. These sensors send an electrical signal to the airbag cartridge, which rapidly inflates the nylon-rubber airbag within milliseconds, followed by a rapid deflation. However, they pose a risk of injury during their deployment if standard vehicle safety recommendations are not followed. Both external and internal injuries associated with airbag deployment have been reported, affecting drivers and passengers alike during crashes and sometimes leading to severe harm. This case involves two siblings, a six-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl, who sustained ocular and facial injuries during an airbag deployment event while being seated on the front passenger side of a four-wheeled vehicle. Strict adherence to safety guidelines is essential when traveling in any vehicle to minimize the risk of severe or life-threatening injuries. Airbag design and technological enhancements are crucial to improving safety and reducing injuries from airbag deployments.