Air bags activate (and inflate if necessary) only when the EV Button is in the POWER ON or DRIVE READY position, and they can activate within about 3 minutes after the vehicle is in OFF position.

The appropriate air bags inflate instantly in the event of a serious frontal or side collision to help protect the occupants from serious physical injury.

There is no single speed at which the air bags will inflate. Generally air bags inflate based on the severity of a collision, its direction, and so on. Several factorsdetermine whether the sensors produce an electronic deployment/inflation signal.

Air bags will not deploy in every crash or collision situations. Air bag deployment depends on a number of factors including vehicle speed, angles of impact, and, the density and stiffness of the vehicles or objects which your vehicle hits in the collision.The determining factors are not limited to those mentioned above.

The front air bags will completely inflate and deflate in an instant. You will find it virtually impossible 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.

In addition to inflating in serious side collisions, side and/or curtain air bags will inflate if the sensing system detects a rollover.

The curtain air bags will remain inflated longer. This helps provide protection from ejection,especially when used in conjunction with the seat belts.

To provide protection, the air bags must inflate rapidly. The airbag inflates extremely fast between the occupant and the vehicle structures before the occupant impacts the 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 de­ sign. However, air bag inflation can also cause injuries, including facial abrasions, bruises, and broken bones, because the inflation speed also causes the air bags to expand with a great deal of force.

There are even circumstances under which contact with the steering wheel or passenger air bag can cause fatal injuries, especially if the occupant is positioned excessively close to the steering wheel or passenger air bag.