METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS (2/3)
Operation
This system is only operational when
the ignition is switched on.
In a severe frontal impact, the air bags
inflate rapidly, cushioning the impact
of the driver’s head and chest against
the steering wheel and of the front pas-
senger against the dashboard. The air
bags then deflate immediately so that
the passengers are not in any way hin-
dered when leaving the vehicle.
A
Air bags for driver and front
passenger
Fitted to the driver and passenger side.
Depending on the vehicle, the pres-
ence of this equipment is indicated by
the word “air bag” on the steering wheel
and dashboard (air bag zone A) and
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
passenger;
– a shared computer, which includes
the impact detector and the moni-
tor controlling the electrical trigger
system for each of the gas genera-
tors;
– a single indicator light
å on the
instrument panel;
– remote sensors.
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.
In a situation where an air bag is
required, it will inflate immediately
and this may cause some minor, su-
perficial grazing to the skin or other
problems.
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