Supplemental Restraint System
Important Facts About Airbags
Airbags inflate only when needed; in
a severe frontal collision. A severe
collision would be similar to a crash
into a parked vehicle of similar size
at 25 mph (40 km/h). Airbags will
not inflate in a moderate frontal
collision, or during a rear impact,
side impact, or rollover — even if the
impact is severe.
Airbags inflate and deflate only once.
They cannot protect you during any
additional impacts that can occur
during a crash sequence.
Injuries, including fatal injuries, can
occur in a severe collision, even if
seat belts are worn properly and the
airbags inflate. No safety system can
provide complete protection in a
severe crash.
Just from viewing the vehicle
damage after a crash, it is very
difficult to accurately determine if
the airbags should or should not
have inflated. In some cases where
the airbag did not inflate, extensive
visible damage indicated that the car
absorbed much of the crash energy,
and the airbags were not needed. In
other cases, a severe jolt, such as an
impact to the undercarriage, may not
cause extensive body damage but
cause the airbags to inflate.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Frontal collision range
