When it comes to safety, airbags have always been a helpful invention. It is that restraint system that provides the much-needed cushion to the car passenger when met with an accident.
Owing to the fatalities in racing cars, the addition of airbags seems more than important. The question is whether racing steering wheels with airbag exist. Let’s find out.
Contents
- Do Racing Steering Wheels With Airbag Exist?
- FAQs on Racing Steering Wheels With Airbags
- Why don’t most racing steering wheels have airbags?
- Can you legally remove the airbag when installing a racing steering wheel?
- Why don’t companies develop lightweight racing airbags?
- Is it possible to retrofit an airbag into an aftermarket racing wheel?
- Can a racing steering wheel without an airbag affect insurance coverage?
- Wrapping Up
Do Racing Steering Wheels With Airbag Exist?
In common car designs, the airbags are generally attached to the steering wheels. Not all cars are the same!
For instance, the modifications and customizations in a racing car are such that are unique and confined to its arena.
Most people get confused about whether there are airbags attached to the steering wheels or not. So, do rally cars have airbags? Read on, to know more.
Racing cars and airbags
Unlike traditional cars, racing cars do not have airbags! This may come as a surprise to you, but that is the truth.
In racing cars, there are already 5-Point, 6-Point, or in some cases even 7 Point seat belts that help restrict a driver’s haywire motion in case of an accident.
This multi-point seat belt system does the job of airbags, thus eliminating the need for adding them in the first place.
Our answer is “Racing cars typically do not have airbags. The use of airbags in racing cars is not common due to the specific design considerations and safety requirements of these vehicles.
Racing cars are built to prioritize speed, performance, and handling, and their safety features are tailored to the demands of competitive racing.”
One should also know that a race car is built in a way that it absorbs crash energy effectively, without putting much harm to the passengers.
This, in turn, does not call for the need to add racing steering wheels with airbag that tend to add more weight to the car.
Read More: DIY Steps for Disabling Airbag System in a Car
Airbags in racing cars are dangerous
Now that you are clear as to why don’t rally cars have airbags, it is important to know another factor associated with it.
In racing cars, the speed is beyond the normal speed levels, and these speeds do not go well with airbags popping up. The functioning of airbags is pretty normal, but only till a particular threshold speed.
Once the threshold value exceeds, the airbags fail to show effectiveness or timing accuracy. In simple terms, by the time a crash occurs in a racing car, the airbag would still be in the detonating phase.
There is no benefit of something that does not come into use when required. You could also refer to maintenance tips for more information on car safety features.
Watch this video from GCM to learn more about the racing steering wheels!
Better alternative to airbags
Airbags, while effective in passenger vehicles for everyday driving scenarios, are not well-suited for racing cars.
The high speeds, aggressive driving maneuvers, and unique crash dynamics of racing make airbags less practical and potentially hazardous in this context.
Instead, racing cars rely on other safety measures and equipment specifically designed for the demands of competitive racing.
Racing cars are specialized motor vehicles that demand expert drivers to showcase the speed battles down the lanes.
By now it is clear that airbags are not present in racing cars. Then what protects the race cars and the race car drivers in case of a crash?
It is the multi-point seat belt system, helmet, roll cage, fire suit, HANS (Head and Neck Support Device), or even the halon fire system that together hinder great damage in case of a crash.
When there is already so much equipment, and systems to help deal with the consequences of an accident, what is the need for airbags? If airbags are added, it would only slow down the car due to the addition of extra weight.
FAQs on Racing Steering Wheels With Airbags
Why don’t most racing steering wheels have airbags?
Because airbags add weight, bulk, and complexity. In racing, safety comes from helmets, harnesses, and roll cages, not airbags.
Can you legally remove the airbag when installing a racing steering wheel?
In most regions, no as it violates road safety laws. Cars without airbags may fail inspection or be illegal for street use.
Why don’t companies develop lightweight racing airbags?
Because airbags need sensors, wiring, and deployment modules.
That complexity clashes with the simplicity and modularity racing teams demand for quick repairs.
Is it possible to retrofit an airbag into an aftermarket racing wheel?
Technically possible, but extremely difficult. Airbag systems are tightly integrated with a car’s ECU, crash sensors, and wiring.
DIY retrofits are unsafe and not recommended!
Can a racing steering wheel without an airbag affect insurance coverage?
Yes. In some countries, removing or disabling airbags can void insurance or reduce payout in an accident.
Wrapping Up
Safety is essential but when there is an alternative to airbags, no need to add them! That is why racing steering wheels with airbag do not make sense.
The next time someone counters you by telling you that racing cars have airbags, you know how to answer!
