Operation of the Side Airbags

In a medium or severe side impact, the electronic control unit receives signals from the impact sensors, which causes the driver's or front passenger's side airbag to deploy almost instantly.

It should be emphasized that in a side impact, only the side airbag on the side of the impact deploys. If the impact occurs on the front passenger side, the front passenger side airbag deploys even if the passenger seat is unoccupied.

For the best protection from the side airbag in a side impact, the driver and front passenger must sit in the correct position and wear their seat belts.

If a front passenger leans sideways so that their head is within the deployment zone of the side airbag, they may receive a strong impact from the airbag when it deploys, which can cause serious injury.

The force of an airbag deployment is strong enough to kill a child or cause serious injury. For more detailed information on the hazards posed by airbags, refer to pages 46 and 71.