Female drivers may be among the motorists being urged to read up on what happens when their airbags are deployed in a collision.

GEM Motoring Assist (GEM) has outlined concerns that many drivers and passengers are unaware of what happens in such a situation and could become stressed because they do not understand what is going on.

"The airbag is a great safety feature and used in conjunction with a seat belt can often save serious injury," said GEM chief executive David Williams.

"But unless they have direct experience of these quick inflating devices, drivers and passengers could panic and experience extra stress after being involved in a bump."

Some motorists may panic and leave the car but in fact, they could be safer staying where they are and waiting for the emergency services, he suggested.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, European airbags can inflate at a speed of up to 160 mph.

Find out about a female-friendly support service when motoring gets stressful.

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