Vehicles equipped with side airbags

About one-third of occupant deaths occur in side impacts. Side airbags that protect both the head and chest can greatly reduce these deaths. Side airbags that protect the chest only also are effective, but not as much so.

Institute research on airbags (both front and side)

Video: side impact test demo

2008 side airbag availability by protection area:
Head and chest protection: Standard — 55.6% Optional — 8.3%
Head protection only: Standard — 10.3% Optional — 8.1%
Torso protection only: Standard — 2.1% Optional — 0.3%
No side airbags available: 15.4%