An accident is a stressful experience, made even more complicated when your vehicle’s airbags deploy. While your immediate concern is everyone’s safety, what comes next—getting your car off the road—introduces a new set of challenges. Towing a vehicle after airbag deployment isn’t as simple as hooking it up and driving away. It involves significant risks, from undeployed airbags to damaging the complex sensor systems in modern cars.
This guide will walk you through the essential safety precautions you need to take. We’ll cover the specific dangers related to vehicle sensors, why professional towing is often the best choice, and how to ensure the process is handled safely and correctly. Understanding these steps can protect you, the tow truck operator, and your vehicle from further harm.
If you’re ever in this situation, contact Canada Direct Roadside Assistance today for professional accident recovery to ensure your vehicle is towed with the right expertise and care.
Safety First: Essential Precautions
After an accident where airbags have deployed, the vehicle is in a hazardous state. The electrical system may be compromised, and there’s a risk of other airbags deploying unexpectedly. Following a strict safety protocol is crucial.
Disconnect the Battery
The first and most important step is to disconnect the vehicle’s battery. The airbag system is controlled by an electronic module that relies on the car’s electrical power. Even after a crash, this system can remain active. A short circuit, a sudden jolt during towing, or residual power could trigger any remaining undeployed airbags. Disconnecting the battery terminals—starting with the negative terminal first—is the most effective way to de-energize the system and minimize this risk.
Secure Any Deployed Airbags
A deployed airbag can obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with the towing equipment. Before moving the vehicle, cut and secure the deflated airbag material. Tie it around the steering wheel column or dashboard so it doesn’t flap around during transport. This simple step prevents the airbag from blocking the tow operator’s view or getting caught in the towing mechanism.
Check for Undeployed Airbags
Most vehicles are equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, curtain, and even knee airbags. Just because one has deployed doesn’t mean the others have. Assume that any undeployed airbags are still live, especially if the battery hasn’t been disconnected. Be cautious around the steering wheel, dashboard, seats, and door frames where these modules are located.
The Hidden Danger of Sensor Damage
Modern vehicles are packed with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that rely on a network of sensors. These sensors, which control everything from parking assistance to automatic emergency braking, are often located in vulnerable areas like bumpers, windshields, and side mirrors. Improper towing after an accident can easily damage them, leading to expensive and complex repairs.
Where Are These Sensors Located?
Understanding where ADAS sensors are can help prevent unintentional damage. Common locations include:
- Bumpers: Ultrasonic parking sensors and radar sensors for adaptive cruise control are often embedded in the front and rear bumpers.
- Windshield: Cameras for lane-keeping assist and collision avoidance systems are typically mounted near the rearview mirror.
- Grille: Radar sensors and sometimes cameras are placed within the vehicle’s front grille.
- Side Mirrors: Cameras for 360-degree view systems are housed in the side mirrors.
Risks During Towing
Towing a vehicle incorrectly can cause significant damage to these sensitive components. For example, using chains or hooks improperly on a bumper can crush parking sensors. If a flatbed is not used, dragging the vehicle could scrape the front or rear, damaging radar units. Even a slight misalignment during the loading process can put pressure on a grille or bumper, compromising the sensors within. Repairing or recalibrating these systems is a specialized job that can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Why Professional Towing is Your Safest Bet
Given the risks involved, hiring a professional towing service is the most reliable way to handle a vehicle after airbag deployment. Experienced operators are trained to manage these specific situations safely and efficiently.
Expertise and Equipment
Professional towing companies have the right equipment for the job. They will likely use a flatbed tow truck, which is the safest method for transporting a damaged vehicle. A flatbed ensures that no part of the car is dragged on the road, protecting the undercarriage, bumpers, and the delicate sensors within. Operators are also trained to handle vehicles with active airbag systems, knowing how to properly disconnect the battery and secure the car for transport without causing further damage.
Reducing Personal Risk
Attempting to tow a damaged vehicle yourself, especially after airbags have gone off, puts you in a dangerous position. You risk injury from undeployed airbags, electrical shocks, or sharp metal and broken glass. Professional tow operators have the personal protective equipment (PPE) and experience to navigate these hazards safely.
Insurance and Liability
Most auto insurance policies cover towing after a covered accident. Using a reputable, licensed towing service ensures that the process is documented correctly for your insurance claim. If further damage occurs during a professional tow, their liability insurance often covers the repairs. This provides a layer of financial protection that you wouldn’t have if you tried to manage the tow yourself.
Your Next Steps for a Safe Tow
Towing a car after its airbags have deployed is a task that requires caution and expertise. The potential for unexpected airbag deployment and damage to critical vehicle sensors makes it a job best left to professionals. By disconnecting the battery, securing deployed materials, and being aware of sensor locations, you can help prepare your vehicle for a safe tow. Ultimately, calling a professional service ensures the safety of everyone involved and protects your vehicle from additional, costly damage.
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