03
3-45
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The front airbags completely inflate
and deflate in an instant. It is virtually
impossible for you to see the airbags
inflate during an accident. It is much
more likely that you simply see the
deflated airbags hanging out of their
storage compartments after the
collision.
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In addition to inflating in serious side
collisions, vehicles equipped with a
rollover sensor, side and/or curtain
airbags inflate if the sensing system
detects a rollover.
When a rollover is detected, curtain
airbags remain inflated longer to help
provide protection from ejection,
especially when used in conjunction
with the seat belts, (if equipped with a
rollover sensor).
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To help provide protection, the
airbags must inflate rapidly. The speed
of airbag inflation is a consequence
of extremely short time in which the
airbag inflates between the occupant
and the vehicle structures before the
occupant impacts those structures.
This speed of inflation reduces the risk
of serious or life-threatening injuries
and is thus a necessary part of airbag
design.
However, the rapid airbag inflation
may also cause injuries that include
facial abrasions, bruises, and broken
bones because the inflation speed
also causes the airbags to expand
with great force.
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There are even circumstances under
which contact with the airbag may
cause fatal injuries, especially when
the occupant is positioned excessively
close to the airbag.
You can take steps to reduce the risk
of being injured by an inflating airbag.
The greatest risk is sitting too close to
the airbag. An airbag needs about 10
in. (25 cm) of space to inflate. NHTSA
recommends that drivers allow at least
10 in. (25 cm) between the center of the
steering wheel and the chest.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of serious injury or
death from an inflating airbag:
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Never place a child restraint in the
front passenger seat.
Always properly restrain children
under age 13 in the rear seats of the
vehicle.
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Adjust the front passenger’s and
driver's seats as far to the rear as
possible while maintaining you to
maintain full control of the vehicle.
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Hold the steering wheel with hands at
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.
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Never place anything or anyone
between the airbag and the seat
occupant.
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Do not allow the front passenger
to place their feet or legs on the
dashboard.