Auto Air Bags- how deploy?

Factual Questions
1

I know that auto airbags aren’t just like soft pillows that blow up into
your face, but they can cause injuries themselves (bruises, broken
glasses, etc in their lifesaving duties. (I’m also thinking of the early
airbag that, I believe, even decapitated a poor baby who was placed
facing forward in a childseat in the front seat.)

How do auto airbags deploy if they’re covered by sewn upholstery (side
bags), or big hard plastic (does the dashboard hinge upwards?) (does the
top of the steering wheel blow up into your face too?)?

Thanks

Bob

2

The plastic cover on the steering wheel and dash is scored to create a weak spot. When the bag inflates, the scores pop and the inflating bag pushes the plastic out of the way.

Don’t know about side airbags, but I’d imagine they’re designed to blow through a seam, as well.

3

Broken neck, I believe. Just as fatal, but much less dramatic.

4

My seats have hard plastic on the side. I believe it either splits, pops off or pivots on a hinge during deployment.