What to do if your airbags have been recalled

Certain additions to a car are put into place to keep drivers safe, such as seat belts or airbags. However, there are some unfortunate occurrences where these items are manufactured or installed in a way that makes them defective, upping a driver’s chances of being injured instead.

Airbags in particular pose a threat to drivers if they are defective. This is because they can burst if they are not able to fully handle an impact, which can cause additional injuries or even death. Consumer Reports issued a document about the Takata airbag recalls, in which it explains what you should do if the airbags in your car have been recalled.

The first step is determining whether or not a particular car has been affected by a recall. This can be figured out by checking the vehicle identification number, which can be found on the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. A driver can put that number into the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration website to see if their vehicle is affected.

According to the International Business Times, if the car has a defective airbag, the driver can return it and get a replacement. However, there might be some delays between ordering and receiving the new bag. Drivers who are uncomfortable driving while the defective bag is in use have several options. They should minimize their driving, which can be done by using public transportation, renting a car, or carpooling with someone else whose vehicle is unaffected.