It is important for responders to know that spider web on the driver's side cannot be caused by a deploying airbag.
Topic: Windshield Spider Webs
Broken windshields are a reality at crash scenes. Prior to 1990, windshield damage was caused by an unrestrained occupant or a loose, flying object inside the vehicle slamming into the glass. The familiar breakage pattern became known as a windshield spider web because of its similarity with the web created by a spider. Since 1990, an additional reason for windshield damage has been introduced; damage caused by a deployed airbag. When a windshield is damaged due to an airbag deploying the pattern is referred to as an airbag spider web.
What is important for responders to realize about airbag spider webs is that they can only occur on the passenger's side of the windshield. A spider web on the driver's side cannot be caused by a deploying airbag. The driver's airbag is not aimed in the right position or angle to collide with the windshield glass.
Crash Course Teaching Point: A spider web on the driver's side of the windshield cannot be caused by a deploying frontal airbag. Consider this an indicator of a significant mechanism of injury for your unrestrained driver.
Be Informed...Be Ready...Beware!
