Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to
the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors
such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard/soft), the impact angle,
vehicle speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which
occurs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the
relevant restraint system.
If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during the collision
remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit,
the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe dam-
age to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal
collision.
› Driver’s front airbag.
› Front passenger airbag.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
› Head-Thorax side airbag on the crash side.
When an airbag is deployed, the following events occur.
› The interior lighting illuminates (if the switch for the interior light is in the
door contact position).
› The hazard warning lights are switched on.
› All doors are unlocked.
› The fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Airbag overview
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front airbags
16
Side airbags Head-Thorax
17Front airbagsFig. 7
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dashboard
Fig. 8
Safe distance to steering wheel/gas-filled airbags
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers addi-
tional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel » Fig. 7 –
.
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel
above the stowage compartment » Fig. 7 –
.
When the airbags are deployed, they inflate in front of the driver and front
passenger » Fig. 8 -
. The forward movement of the driver and of the front
passenger is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag
and the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.
16Safety
