Operation of the Front Airbags

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

When the deceleration exceeds a specified value, the control unit activates the inflators to fill the driver and front passenger frontal airbags at the required time and with the required intensity.

In a frontal collision, the seat belt restrains the lower body and chest, while the driver and front passenger airbags help prevent severe impact of the head and chest against the steering wheel or instrument panel.

Although both airbags normally inflate simultaneously, with a difference of only a few milliseconds, it is also possible for only one airbag to deploy.

This may occur if the force of the frontal collision was close to the threshold that determines whether the airbags must deploy. 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 inflate, takes about one-tenth of a second. It happens so quickly that you will not have time to understand what happened until you see the deployed airbag covers.

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