METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS (continued)
Driver’s and passenger
air bags
These may be provided for the driver
and the front passenger seats.
The presence of this equipment is in-
dicated by the words “Air bag” on the
steering wheel and the dashboard, and
a label on the base of the windscreen or
on the sun visor.
Each air bag system consists of:
– an air bag and gas generator fitted
on the steering wheel for the driver
and in the dashboard for the front
passenger,
– a computer for both systems, which
includes the impact sensor and a
monitor controlling the electrical trig-
ger system for the gas generator;
– a single warning light
å on the
instrument panel.
Load limiter
Above a certain level of impact force,
this mechanism is used to limit the force
of the belt against the body so that it is
at an acceptable level.
The air bag system uses
pyrotechnic principles. This
explains why, when the air
bag inflates, it will gener-
ate heat, produce smoke (this does
not mean that a fire is about to start)
and make a noise upon detonation.
An air bag may inflate immediately,
causing some minor, superficial
grazing to the skin or other discom-
fort.
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