When do the airbags deploy?

The airbag system deploys in the event of a severe collision.

The airbag system is designed so that the driver and front passenger airbags deploy in a severe frontal collision.

In severe side collisions, the side airbags and the corresponding curtain airbag deploy on the side affected by the impact.

Some accidents may cause the front and side airbags as well as the corresponding curtain airbag to deploy.

In minor frontal or side collisions, rear impacts and rollovers, the airbag system is not activated. The occupants are then protected only by the conventional seat belts, which must be fastened beforehand.

Triggering factors

Because accident situations vary enormously, it is impossible to specify an exact triggering criterion for the airbag system that applies to every situation. Factors such as the nature of the object the vehicle strikes (hard or soft), the angle of impact, the vehicle speed, etc. are decisive here.

The deceleration recorded by the control unit during a collision is decisive for airbag deployment. The sensors located in the vehicle, together with the control unit, detect the severity of the accident and thus help to trigger the restraint systems in a targeted way and at the right time.

The airbags do not deploy when the deceleration occurring as a result of the collision remains below the reference values programmed in the control unit, even if the vehicle is severely deformed as a result of the accident.

Note

A fine dust is released when the airbag deploys. This is completely normal and must not be mistaken for a fire starting in the vehicle.