An illuminated airbag warning light indicates a potential malfunction within the supplemental restraint system (SRS). This system, crucial for occupant safety during collisions, includes airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and impact sensors. A fault could prevent these components from deploying correctly or at all in an accident.
A functioning SRS significantly reduces the risk of severe injury or fatality in a crash. The system is designed to work in conjunction with seatbelts to cushion occupants and prevent them from hitting hard interior surfaces. Modern vehicles undergo rigorous crash testing to ensure SRS effectiveness. Ignoring a warning light compromises this carefully engineered safety net. While the vehicle may appear to operate normally, the potential for increased injury risk in a collision is substantial.
