Operation of the Front Airbags

Operation of the Front Airbags

In a frontal impact (medium or severe), the deceleration sensors detect a rapid reduction in vehicle speed.

Based on the sensor signals, the control unit activates the inflators to rapidly fill the driver and front passenger airbags with gas and automatically tensions the seat belts.

In a frontal impact, the seat belt tightens and firmly holds the lower body and chest in place, while the driver and front passenger airbags help prevent the head and chest from striking the steering wheel or the instrument panel with severe force.

Since the signals to deploy both airbags come from the same sensors, both airbags inflate simultaneously; however, only one airbag may deploy.

This occurs when the force of the frontal collision is right at the threshold that determines whether the airbags deploy or not. In this case, the seat belts provide sufficiently reliable protection for the driver and front passenger, while the effect of airbag deployment will be minimal.

After deployment and inflation, the front airbags deflate immediately, allowing the driver to maintain visibility and freely operate all vehicle controls.

The entire process, from the moment the deceleration sensors send the signal until the airbags deflate, takes approximately one-tenth of a second, so fast that you do not have time to understand what happened.

After a collision in which the airbags have deployed, the air in the passenger compartment may appear slightly smoky. This is actually a suspension of fine powder that was dusted over the folded airbag covers. This smoke is harmless; however, people with respiratory conditions may experience some discomfort from the gaseous products released by the airbag inflators. In this case, it is advisable to leave the passenger compartment as soon as possible, if safety conditions allow.