How do airbags contribute to safety in a collision?

Airbags contribute significantly to safety in a collision by working in conjunction with seat belts to absorb and reduce the forces experienced by occupants during an accident. When a collision occurs, airbags deploy rapidly to create a cushioning effect that can help prevent or lessen injuries to the occupants. They provide an additional layer of protection by ensuring that the force of impact is distributed away from critical areas of the body, such as the head and torso.

While seat belts are primary safety devices designed to keep occupants securely in their seats and prevent ejection from the vehicle, airbags augment this protection by providing a soft barrier that can reduce the impact force. By being used together, seat belts and airbags create a more effective safety system, enhancing overall occupant protection during a crash scenario.

Other options provided do not accurately reflect the function of airbags. For instance, airbags do not deploy after the seatbelt is unbuckled, nor do they serve as an external barrier. Moreover, they are not intended to replace the seat belt; rather, they complement it, emphasizing the importance of always using both for optimal safety.