Airbags are categorized as what type of restraint?

• A. Supplemental Restraint
• B. Primary Restraint
• C. Passive Restraint
• D. Active Restraint

Answer: (A)

Airbags are designed as a supplemental restraint system that works with a seat belt to protect occupants during a crash. They don’t replace the belt; they add protection by inflating to cushion the body and spread the crash forces over a larger area, reducing the chance of injury from contact with the car’s interior. For best protection, occupants should be wearing the seat belt, because airbags alone cannot restrain movement as effectively and can even cause injury if the belt isn’t used. Since their role is to augment the primary restraint (the seat belt) rather than serve as the main restraint, they’re categorized as a supplemental restraint system.