What device in an EMS vehicle triggers deployment of airbags during a crash?

• A. Seat belt pretensioner.
• B. Airbag control module.
• C. ABS wheel speed sensors.
• D. Impact sensors connected to the airbag control module.

Answer: (D)

Airbag deployment is triggered by crash sensing. Impact sensors monitor rapid changes in velocity during a collision and send that information to the airbag control module. If the sensed crash meets the module’s criteria, it commands the inflators to deploy the airbags. So, the device that actually triggers deployment is the impact sensors connected to the airbag control module.

Seat belt pretensioners are related components that help restrain occupants during a crash, but they don’t initiate airbag deployment on their own. ABS wheel speed sensors monitor wheel rotation for braking control and aren’t involved in deciding when airbags deploy.