Tesla S Owner's Manual page 33

How the Airbags Work
Inflation of airbags depends on the rate at
which the vehicle's cabin changes speed in a
collision. The rate of deceleration determines
whether airbags inflate.
Airbags inflate instantly with considerable
force accompanied by a loud noise. The
inflated bag, together with the seat belts,
limits movement of occupants to reduce the
risk of injury.
Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to
inflate in rear collisions, rollovers, minor front
or side collisions, heavy braking, or driving
over bumps and potholes. Therefore,
significant superficial damage can occur to
the vehicle without the airbags inflating or,
conversely, a relatively small amount of
structural damage can cause airbags to
inflate.
If you are planning to modify your vehicle for
a person with disabilities in a way that may
affect the airbag system, contact Tesla.
Seating and Safety Restraints
Types of Airbags
Advanced The front airbags are
front advanced airbags designed to
airbags reduce airbag related injuries
to children or small adults who
ride in the front seats. On the
driver's side, the front airbag
works with a seat position
sensor that adjusts the
inflation level based on the
seating position of the
occupant. For safety of infants
and small children, the front
passenger airbag must be
disabled, as described below.
Side Side airbags protect the
airbags thorax region of the torso and
the pelvis. They inflate only if
a severe side impact occurs.
Side airbags on the non-
impacted side do not inflate.
Curtain Curtain airbags help protect
airbags the head and typically inflate
only if a severe side impact
occurs, or if the vehicle rolls
over. Curtain airbags on the
non-impacted side do not
inflate.
Airbags
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