Why do windshield wipers come on when airbags deploy?

Question

I asked this question a while back and people said that they didn't but they absolutly do, watch any video of a crash or crash test.

What else happens- radio turned off, engine turned off, four way flashers? Thanks.

Answer 1

What is probably happening is that as the air bag goes off, it hits the wiper stalk and turns it on, or the pressure of the dummy going forwards hits the steering wheel and controls, making them operate.

Answer 2

Your knee will hit the wiper control which is called the combination switch and the wiper will come on....

Answer 3

Probably because most wiper control arms are a part of the steering column which is also where airboys "explode" from and would push the lever.  Why the h**l would you notice, or ask such a question?  I'd be more concerned about other parts of the vehicle after an airbag deployed.

Answer 4

It depends on the location of the wiper switch. Some have the switches mounted on the dash, these do not come on. The air bag system is totally separate from other systems on the vehicle. They even store enough electrical power to set the air bags off for 5 to 10 min. after a battery failure in a collision.

Answer 5

That's an interesting and clever design if the wipers do come on.   I can see where it might be useful for clearing the windshield of lightweight dirt and debris to allow the driver to see (once the AB deflates) and control the car to try to avoid secondary collisions.

I would not think killing the engine would be the best choice in all situations, but turning off the radio, and turning on emergency flashers would likely be worthwhile.

Answer 6

I've never heard of this, and when I had an accident with the airbags deploying and the wipers did not go on.

Also, recently I saw a small accident in which the airbags went off and her wipers did not go on.

(By the way, this was a VERY small 'fender bender' parking lot accident. Someone backing out of a parking space hit someone going by, leaving only a small dent, without hurting anybody. The airbags deployed in the car going by, and really made a mess and really shocked the driver.  --to see it would be to make you NOT want airbags!)