54Safety
Airbags Front airbags
Front airbag fault
Immediately after the impact, the airbags
deflate rapidly so that they do not hinder
the visibility of the occupants nor their exit if
necessary from the vehicle. The air bags are
not deployed in the case of minor impacts, rear impacts or in cer tain roll-over conditions. The seat belt is sufficient to ensure maximumprotection in these situations. The seriousness
of a collision depends on the nature of the
obstacle and the speed of the vehicle at the
m
oment of the collision.
Airbags only operate when the ignition
is switched on. When they are deployed,
a noise is heard during inflation.
The airbags have been designed to maximise
the safety of the occupants in the event of serious collisions. They work in conjunction
with the force-limiting seat belts. Theelectronic detectors register and analyse any abrupt deceleration of the vehicle in the
impact detection zones (see diagram): if the
deployment threshold is reached, the airbags
in
flate instantly and protect the occupants of
the vehicle.
These are
fitted in the centre of the steeringwheel for the driver and in the dashboard for the front passenger. They are deployed simultaneously, except in cases where thepassenger's airbag is deactivated, in theevent of a serious front impact applied in the
impact zone A
in the longitudinal centreline
of the vehicle, on a horizontal plane and from
th
e front of the vehicle towards the rear. T he
airba
g inflates between the front occupant of
the vehicle and the dashboard to cushion hisfor ward movement. The airbags therefore limit
the risk of injury to the head and chest.
A.Front impact zone.B. Side impact zone.
Note:
the gas escaping from the airbags can be a minor irritant.
Flashin
g indicates an airbag fault, contact a CITROËN dealer or aqualified workshop to have the
system checked. The airbags mayno longer be deployed in the event of a serious impact.
Impact detection zones
