Airbag Life

That is indeed the rated life - at least on Saabs anyway - but I doubt other makes would be much different. But rated life and actual life are different things.

Given the debatable benefits of airbags anyway I wouldn't bother replacing them.

The explosive components should last 20 years, the bag material should be close on that or more as it isn't exposed to light. Its normal to half life safety equipment but I wouldn't worry too much. If you wear a seat belt the bag is largely irrelevant anyway.

And safe defensive driving, powered by a bit of common sense, helps a fair bit as well.

Peter

They where all originally rated for ten years but I've got two manufacturers tech bulletins that upgraded that to 15 years & seeing as they're all supplied by the same companies make of that what you will

Quite. Since I have been driving a lot lately, I have noticed an alarming number of accidents on motorways. In fact just listen to traffic rapports on the radio in the morning and you will hear that this and that motorway to London is blocked due to accidents. I have passed accidents myself as seen people in tears on the hard shoulder. What the heck is going on? Since it is difficult to know unless you're at the spot, I can only speculate. I don't believe it is always stupidity, perhaps lack of concentration at lane changes. Then panic when something is hit and the high likelihood that others will be involved - and a new wave of panic starts. Look, look and look always.