# 1997 FORD EXPLORER — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
> NHTSA complaint `292782` · 2001-05-14 · Ford Motor Company
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 1
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** FORD
- **Model:** EXPLORER
- **Year:** 1997
- **Manufacturer:** Ford Motor Company
- **Component:** AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- **Speed:** 35 mph
## Narrative
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN FEBRUARY THAT WAS NOT MY FAULT.  THE OTHER DRIVER FAILED TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND CAME INTO THE INTERSECTION AS I WAS COMING FROM THROUGH IT.  I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND THE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY, CAUSING THE MAJORITY OF MY INJURIES.  I HAD SEVERAL LACERATIONS ON MY CHEEKS, CHIN AND MOUTH.  MY UPPER LIP WAS SPLIT OPEN AND I SUSTAINED A SERIOUS INJURY TO MY JAW.  ALL OF THESE INJURIES WERE CAUSED WHEN MY HEAD WENT FORWARD AS THE AIRBAG COVER POPPED BACK AND THE AIRBAG WAS INFLATING.  THE AIRBAG HIT ME IN THE FACE WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT LEFT MY JAW PERMENANTLY INJURED.  I AM AN 5' 5 1/2" TALL AND DO NOT SIT PARTICULARLY CLOSE TO THE STEERING WHEEL.  THERE IS AN OBVIOUS FLAW WITH THE DESIGN OF THE AIRBAG.*AK
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*