According the United States Department of Transportation, there were over five million automobile accidents in the year 2010. Out of these five million accidents, almost four million accidents involved only property damage. In all of these accidents, only an estimated thirty thousand people lost their lives. One reason the number of traffic injuries and fatalities is relatively low is due to an understanding of the gas laws.

What do automobiles have that protects the driver and passengers? One important device is an air bag. Placed strategically throughout the automobile, air bags protect the passengers in the event of an accident. The rapid production of gas and expansion of the air bag is made possible due to the gas laws. The air bag represents another way chemistry saves lives.

How does an air bag work? Air bags begin deflated. Normally, they are placed in the steering wheel and dashboard. Sometimes, these deflated bags are placed near the windows of the automobile. The reaction that fills the bag with nitrogen gas involves sodium azide and potassium nitrate. The reaction produces enough gas to provide a cushion during the accident, but does not overfill the air bag.