Which sensor plays a critical role in deploying airbags?

The impact sensor is crucial for deploying airbags in a vehicle. This sensor is designed to detect sudden deceleration or impacts in the event of a collision. When a vehicle experiences an impact that exceeds a predefined threshold, the impact sensor sends a signal to the airbag control unit, triggering the deployment of the airbags.

Airbags are a key component of the vehicle's safety system, and their timely deployment can significantly reduce the risk of injury to the occupants during a crash. The effectiveness of the airbag system relies heavily on the precise functioning of the impact sensor, as it must accurately identify a genuine collision event and respond quickly to provide maximal protection.

Other sensors, while important for various vehicle functions, do not serve the same critical purpose in the process of airbag deployment. For example, speed sensors monitor the vehicle's speed but do not contribute directly to the decision-making process regarding airbag deployment, which is primarily linked to the identification of impacts or crashes.