Newport Beach, CA (September 5, 2026) – Two people were injured in a two-car collision at Jamboree Road and Santa Barbara Drive at about 9:49 a.m. on Thursday, September 3.
Both vehicles had significant damage, and airbags deployed during the accident. Emergency units took both patients to local hospitals for treatment. Investigators continue reviewing the crash.
We hope both injured people recover fully.
Why Can Airbag Deployment Help Show the Force of a Two-Car Impact?
Airbags are designed to deploy during certain types of significant vehicle contact. They work with seat belts to help reduce the chance that an occupant strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard interior surfaces.
Deployment alone does not reveal how seriously someone was hurt. Vehicle speed, seating position, restraint use, contact angle, and the part of the vehicle that absorbed the force can all shape the medical outcome.
Significant vehicle damage can also change how energy moves through the passenger compartment. Modern crumple zones are designed to absorb some of that energy before it reaches occupants, but hospital evaluation may still be needed when people report pain or other symptoms after a forceful roadway emergency.