Providing drivers with more information about airbags can help avoid unnecessary stress or panic in the event of an accident.

That is the message from campaign group GEM, which is aiming to make British motorists better informed about these safety devices.

Airbags can save lives and reduce injury, but they can also be quite startling when they go off.

"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."

As well the noise and impact of an airbag, it is not unusual for smoke to be emitted after it is deployed.

Drivers have in the past mistakenly believed their car was on fire as a result.

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