How the Airbag System Works

• The airbags are activated (able to inflate when necessary) only when the ignition switch is turned to the ON or START position.
• The airbags deploy instantly in the event of a severe frontal or side collision (if equipped with side airbags or curtain airbags) to protect occupants from serious injury. In general, airbags are designed to inflate depending on the severity and direction of the collision. These two factors determine whether the sensors send an electronic deployment/inflation signal.
• Airbag deployment depends on a number of complex factors, including vehicle speed, impact angles, and the density and stiffness of the vehicles or objects your vehicle collides with. However, the factors are not limited to those mentioned above. Airbags deploy depending on the severity and angle of impact. Airbags do not deploy in every collision.
• The front airbags inflate and deflate almost instantly. It is practically impossible to see the airbags inflate during a crash. It is far more likely that you will only see the deflated airbags hanging out of their storage compartments after a collision.
• In addition to deploying in certain side collisions, vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor, side airbags and side curtain airbags will deploy if the sensor system detects a rollover. When a rollover is detected, the side airbags and side curtain airbags remain inflated longer to provide ejection protection, especially when used together with the seat belts.
• To provide protection in a severe collision, the airbag must inflate rapidly. The speed of airbag deployment results from the extremely short time in which the collision occurs and the need to place the air bag between the occupant and the vehicle structures before the occupant contacts those structures. This inflation speed reduces the risk of serious or life-threatening injury in a severe collision and is therefore a necessary part of airbag design.
  However, airbag deployment can also cause injuries, including facial abrasions, bruises, and bone fractures, because the inflation speed also causes the airbag to expand with great force.
• There are even circumstances in which contact with the steering wheel or the front passenger airbag can cause fatal injuries, especially if the occupant is too close to the steering wheel or the front passenger airbag.

WARNING – Airbag deployment

Sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible while maintaining comfortable control of the vehicle. A distance of at least 25 cm (10 in.) between the chest and the steering wheel is recommended. Failure to do so may result in the driver being injured by the deploying airbag.