How Does The Air Bag System Operate - Hyundai 2016 Azera Owner's Manual

How does the air bag system
operate
• Air bags are activated (able to
inflate if necessary) only when the
ignition switch is changed to the
ON or START position.
• Air bags inflate instantly in the event
of a serious frontal or side collision
in order to help protect the occu-
pants from serious physical injury.
• There is no single speed at which
the air bags will inflate.
Generally, air bags are designed to
inflate based upon the severity of a
collision and its direction. These
two factors determine whether the
sensors produce an electronic
deployment/ inflation signal.
• Air bag deployment depends on a
number of factors including vehicle
speed, angles of impact and the
density and stiffness of the vehi-
cles or objects which your vehicle
hits in the collision. The determin-
ing factors are not limited to those
mentioned above.
• 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 com-
partments after the collision.
• In addition to inflating in certain side
collisions, vehicles equipped with a
rollover sensor, side impact air bags
and curtain air bags will inflate if the
sensing system detects a rollover.
When a rollover is detected, side
impact air bags and curtain air bags
will remain inflated longer to help
provide protection from ejection,
especially when used in conjunction
with the seat belts.
• In order to help provide protection in
a severe collision, the air bags must
inflate rapidly. The speed of air bag
inflation is a consequence of the
extremely short time in which a col-
lision occurs and the need to inflate
the air bag between the occupant
and the vehicle structures before
the occupant impacts those struc-
tures.
Safety features of your vehicle
This speed of inflation reduces the
risk of serious or life-threatening
injuries in a severe collision and is
thus a necessary part of air bag
design.
However, air bag inflation can also
cause injuries which can include
facial abrasions, bruises and bro-
ken 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 air bag can cause
fatal injuries, especially if the
occupant is positioned exces-
sively close to the air bag.
WARNING
-
Air bag
inflation
Sit as far back as possible from
the steering wheel while still
maintaining comfortable control
of your vehicle. A distance of at
least 10" from your chest to the
steering wheel is recommended.
Failure to do so can result in
severe personal injuries or death
caused by a deploying air bag.
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