Side impact airbags save lives

Citing statistics from the U.S. government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, General Motors says airbags have saved nearly 14,000 lives since 1987 and side airbags are “very effective” in preventing fatal crashes.

Per IIHS data, side airbags with head protection reduce deaths by 45% among drivers of cars struck on the driver’s side. Automakers are not required to equip autos with side-impact airbags but are offering the safety feature as an option.