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SIDE AIR BAGS
(SIDE BAG -
FRONT WINDOW BAG)
Side air bags have the task of increasing
protection of the occupants in the event of
a side crash of medium-high severity.
They are made of two types of instantly-
inflating cushions:
– side bags, housed in the back rest of
the front seats; with this solution it is always
possible to have the air bag (cushion) in the
optimum position in relation to the passen-
ger, regardless of the adjustment of the
seat;
– front window bags, which are “curtain”
cushions, are housed behind the side roof
linings; this solution designed to protect the
head, makes it possible to offer the highest
degree of protection to the front occupants
in the event of a side crash, thanks to the
wide cushion inflation surface.
In the event of a side crash the electronic
control unit processes the signals leading
from a deceleration sensor and, when nec-
essary, triggers inflation of the air bags.The bags inflate instantaneously, setting
themselves between the body of the front
passengers and the car door. The bags de-
flate immediately afterwards.
In the event of minor side crashes (for
which the restraining action of the seat belts
is sufficient), the air bags are not deployed.
Also in this case it is of vital importance to
wear the seat belts since in case of side
crash they guarantee proper positioning of
the occupant and prevent the occupant to
be pitched out of the car in case of violent
crashes.
Therefore the side air bags do not replace
but are complementary to the use of belts,
which you are recommended to always
wear, as specified by law in Europe and
most non-European countries.
Operation of the side air bags and front
window bags is not disabled by the front air
bag deactivation switch, as described in the
previous paragraphs.IMPORTANTIn the event of side
crash, you can obtain the best protection
by the system keeping a correct position
on the seat, thus allowing correct front
window bag unfolding.
WARNING Never rest
head, arms and elbows
on the door, on the windows and
in the front window bag area to
prevent possible injuries during the
inflation phase.
WARNING
IMPORTANTThe front and/or side
air bags may be activated if the car is
subjected to heavy shocks or accidents
that involve the underbody area, such as
for example violent bumps against steps,
pavements or fixed obstacles on the
ground, falling into big holes or bumpy
roads.
