Air bag injuries and occupant protection.

Analysis of the investigations of crashes involving automobiles equipped with air bags verifies the estimations of the lifesaving and injury reduction benefits of this supplemental restraint system. Cases of air bag-associated injuries, primarily erythema, abrasions, and contusions of the lower face and anterior throat-upper chest, are identified as those most often observed. Corneal-scleral injuries were infrequently noted but are rarely found in crashes involving air bag deployments.