Airbag system151
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is required by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒ page 138.
Together with other elements (such as cross bars in the doors, stable vehicle structure) the head airbags are the co nsequent further development of occu- pant protection in the case of side collisions.
Function of the head airbags
The risk of injury to the head and neck area is reduced in the
event of a side collision by fully inflated head airbags.
In the case of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the relevant side airbag on the side of the car on which the accident occurs ⇒ fig. 120.
If the head airbag is deployed, the airbag is filled with propellant gas and covers the entire area of the side window including the door pillars ⇒fig. 120.
The protection offered by the head ai rbags is thus available simultaneously both to the front occupants of the car se ated on the side on which the accident occurs, as well as to the rear occupants. Any impact of the head against parts of the interior or objects outside of the ca r, is cushioned by the inflated head airbag. The reduction in any impact to th e head and the resultant minimizing of any movements of the head additionally re duce the risk of injuries to the neck area. In certain accident situations both the front airbags as well as the side and head airbags may be deployed together.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a seco nd and at a high speed in order to be able to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident. A grey white, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Important safety information on the head airbag
Correct use of the airbag system considerably reduces the risk
of injury!
WARNING
•It is essential to always switch o ff the front passenger airbag when attaching a child safety seat on the front passenger seat where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel (in some countries also when the child is facing the direction of travel) ⇒page 152. If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffer ing severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag is deploy ed. In certain countries national legal provisions also require that th e side or head passenger airbags be deactivated. When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
•There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head airbags which might prevent the ai rbags from inflating properly.
Fig. 120 Inflated head airbag
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 151 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM
