Airbag system 205
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Side airbags
Description of side airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts.
The side airbags are located in the backrest padding of the front
seats ⇒ fig. 218. The locations of the airbags are marked with the
word “AIRBAG”.
In conjunction with the three-point seat belts, the side airbags give
the occupants additional protection for the whole upper part of the
body (i.e. the chest, stomach and pelvis) in the event of a severe side
collision ⇒ in “Important safety notes on the side airbag system”
on page 206.
In a side collision the side airbags reduce the risk of injury to the
areas of the body facing the impact.
If the side airbags are activated, the head-protection airbags (side-
guard system) are always triggered at the same time for additional
protection on the side of the vehicle facing the impact
⇒ page 207.
How the side airbags work
When fully inflated, the side airbags reduce the risk of
injuries to the upper part of the body.
In certain types of side collisions the side airbags (front and rear*)
are triggered on the impact side of the vehicle ⇒ fig. 219.
The front airbags, side airbags and the head-protection airbag may
be triggered together in certain types of accident.
When the system is triggered, the airbag is filled with propellant
gas.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the
airbags have to inflate extremely rapidly (within fractions of a
second). The airbag releases a fine dust when it inflates. This is quite
normal and does not mean there is a fire in the vehicle.
When fully deployed, the airbags cushion the impact for the occu-
pants and help to reduce the risk of injury to the whole upper part
of the body (i.e. the chest, stomach and pelvis) on the side facing the
door.
Fig. 218 Location of
side airbag in driver's
seat
Fig. 219 Side airbags
in inflated condition
document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 205 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
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