METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS
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28 - Getting to know your vehicle
the belt against the body so that it is at
an acceptable level.
Airbags for driver and front pas-
senger
Fitted to the driver and passenger
side.
The presence of this equipment is indi-
cated by the word “Air bag” on the
steering wheel and dashboard (air bag
zone
A
) and, depending on the vehi-
cle, a symbol on the lower section of
the windscreen.
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 pas-
senger ;
– an electronic unit for system moni-
toring which controls the gas generator
electrical trigger system ;
– a single warning light on the
instrument panel.
The air bag system uses
pyrotechnic principles.
This explains why, when
the air bag inflates, it will
generate heat, produce smoke
(this does not mean that a fire is
about to start) and make a noise
upon detonation. In a situation
where an air bag is required, it will
inflate immediately and this may
cause some minor, superficial
grazing to the skin or other prob-
lems.
Operation
This system is only operational when
the ignition is switched on.
In a severe frontal impact, the air
bags inflate rapidly, cushioning the im-
pact of the driver’s head and chest
against the steering wheel and of the
front passenger against the dash-
board. The air bags then deflate imme-
diately so that the passengers are not
in any way hindered from leaving the
vehicle.
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