Air bag system operation
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Air bags are activated (able to inflate if necessary) only when the EV button has been changed to ON position or the vehicle is in the ready mode.
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The appropriate air bags inflate instantly in the event of a serious frontal collision or side collision in order to help protect the occupants from serious physical injury.
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Generally, air bags are designed to inflate based on the severity of a collision and its direction. These two factors determine whether the sensors produce an electronic deployment/inflation signal.
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Air bags will inflate based upon the severity of a collision and its direction, etc. But air bags will not inflate in every crash or collision situation.
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The front air bags will completely inflate and deflate in an instant. It is virtually impossible for you to see the air bags inflate during an accident. It is much more likely that you will simply see the deflated air bags hanging out of their storage compartments after the collision.
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In addition to inflating in serious side collisions, side/curtain air bags, and/or the front center side air bag will inflate if the sensing system detects a rollover.
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When a rollover is detected, side/curtain air bags, and/or the front center side air bag will remain inflated longer to help provide protection from ejection, especially when used in conjunction with the seat belts.
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In order to help provide protection, the air bags must inflate rapidly. The speed of inflation is a consequence extremely short time before the occupant impacts vehicle structures. This speed of inflation reduces the risk of serious or life-threatening injuries and is thus a necessary part of the air bag design. However, air bag inflation can also cause injuries which can include facial abrasions, bruises and broken bones because the inflation speed also causes the air bags to expand with a great deal of force.
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There are even circumstances under which contact with the steering wheel or passenger air bag can cause fatal injuries, especially if the occupant is too close to the steering wheel or passenger air bag.
Airbag Inflation
Sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining comfortable control of the vehicle. A distance of at least 10" from your chest to the steering wheel is recommended. Failure to do so can result in airbag inflation injuries to the driver.
Noise and smoke
When inflated, the air bags make a loud noise and release smoke and powder in the vehicle. This is normal and is a result of the ignition of the air bag inflator. After the air bag inflates, you may feel substantial discomfort in breathing due to the contact of your chest with both the seat belt and the air bag, as well as from breathing the smoke and powder. Open your doors and/or windows as soon as possible after impact to reduce discomfort and prevent prolonged exposure to the smoke and powder.
Though the smoke and powder are nontoxic, they may cause irritation to the skin (eyes, nose and throat, etc). Wash and rinse with cold water immediately and consult a doctor if the symptom persists.
Hot Components
Do not touch the air bag storage area's internal components immediately after airbag inflation. The components in the steering wheel, instrument panel and the roof rails above the front and rear doors are very hot and can cause burn injuries.
Do not install or place any accessories near air bag deployment areas.