Airbags are designed to minimize inertia and impact.

• A. To increase fuel efficiency
• B. To prevent airbags from deploying unnecessarily
• C. To improve steering response
• D. Minimize inertia and impact

Answer: (D)

Airbags reduce injury by lowering the force of deceleration through extending the time over which you slow down in a crash. They inflate rapidly to create a cushion between you and the vehicle interior, increasing the distance and duration of contact so your body doesn’t come to a sudden, hard stop. This works with seatbelts, which hold you in the right position so the airbag can cushion the impact effectively. The other options miss the purpose: airbags aren’t primarily about fuel efficiency or steering response, and deployment timing is a separate safety concern, not the protective function described here.