149 1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
If the SRS airbags deploy (inflate)
Bruising and slight abrasions may result from contact with a deploying
(inflating) SRS airbag.
A loud noise and white powder will be emitted.
Vehicles without SRS curtain shield airbags: Parts of the airbag module
(steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator) as well as the front seats
may be hot for several minutes. The airbag itself may also be hot.
Vehicles with SRS curtain shield airbags: Parts of the airbag module
(steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator) as well as the front seats,
parts of the front and rear pillars, and roof side rails, may be hot for sev-
eral minutes. The airbag itself may also be hot.
The windshield may crack.
Operating conditions (SRS front airbags)
The SRS front airbags will deploy in the event of an impact that exceeds
the set threshold level (the level of force corresponding to an approxi-
mately 20-30 km/h [12-18 mph] frontal collision with a fixed wall that does
not move or deform).
However, this threshold velocity will be considerably higher in the following
situations:
• If the vehicle strikes an object, such as a parked vehicle or sign pole,
which can move or deform on impact
• If the vehicle is involved in an underride collision, such as a collision in
which the front of the vehicle “underrides”, or goes under, the bed of a
truck
Depending on the type of collision, it is possible that only the seat belt
pretensioners will activate.
Operating conditions (SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags [if
equipped])
The SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags (if equipped) will deploy in
the event of an impact that exceeds the set threshold level (the level of force
corresponding to the impact force produced by an approximately 1500 kg
[3300 lb.] vehicle colliding with the vehicle cabin from a direction perpendicu-
lar to the vehicle orientation at an approximate speed of 20-30 km/h [12-18
mph]).
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153 1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
CAUTION
SRS airbag precautions
Observe the following precautions regarding the SRS airbags.
Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.
The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts
properly.
The SRS airbags are supplemental devices to be used with the seat belts.
The SRS driver airbag deploys with considerable force, and can cause
death or serious injury especially if the driver is very close to the airbag.
Since the risk zone for the driver’s airbag is the first 50 - 75 mm (2 - 3 in.)
of inflation, placing yourself 250 mm (10 in.) from your driver airbag pro-
vides you with a clear margin of safety. This distance is measured from the
center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. If you sit less than 250
mm (10 in.) away now, you can change your driving position in several
ways:
• Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the
pedals comfortably.
• Slightly recline the back of the seat.
Although vehicle designs vary, many drivers can achieve the 250 mm
(10 in.) distance, even with the driver seat all the way forward, simply
by reclining the back of the seat somewhat. If reclining the back of your
seat makes it hard to see the road, raise yourself by using a firm, non-
slippery cushion, or raise the seat if your vehicle has that feature.
• If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. This points the air-
bag toward your chest instead of your head and neck.
The seat should be adjusted as recommended above, while still maintaining
control of the foot pedals, steering wheel, and your view of the instrument
panel controls.
Vehicles with SRS curtain shield air-
bags: The portion of the front, center
and rear pillar garnish, or roof side rail
garnishes containing the curtain shield
airbags inside is scratched, cracked or
otherwise damaged.
VERSO_WE.book Page 153 Thursday, June 19, 2014 11:31 AM
