In damage assessment, air bag deployment is categorized as which type of damage?

In damage assessment, air bag deployment is categorized as which type of damage?

• A. Primary
• B. Cosmetic
• C. Structural
• D. Secondary

Answer: (D)

Air bag deployment is a consequence of the crash rather than the initial impact to the frame, so it's considered secondary damage. In damage assessment, primary damage refers to direct harm to the vehicle’s structure and major systems from the collision. Cosmetic damage is surface-level, like paint scratches. Structural damage involves deformation of the main frame or critical supporting components. Secondary damage includes effects that arise because of the crash event, such as deployed airbags and the related interior components and systems that must be repaired or replaced. The air bag deployment signals enough deceleration occurred to trigger the system, making it a result of the crash rather than the initial impact itself.

Air bag deployment is a consequence of the crash rather than the initial impact to the frame, so it's considered secondary damage. In damage assessment, primary damage refers to direct harm to the vehicle’s structure and major systems from the collision. Cosmetic damage is surface-level, like paint scratches. Structural damage involves deformation of the main frame or critical supporting components. Secondary damage includes effects that arise because of the crash event, such as deployed airbags and the related interior components and systems that must be repaired or replaced. The air bag deployment signals enough deceleration occurred to trigger the system, making it a result of the crash rather than the initial impact itself.