CITROEN C3 Desire User Manual page 105

AIRBAGS
System designed to maximise the safety
of the occupants (with the exception of
the rear centre passenger) in the event
of violent collisions. It supplements the
action of the force-limiting seat belts
(with the exception of the rear centre
passenger).
If a collision occurs, the electronic de-
tectors record and analyse the front and
side impacts sustained in the impact
detection zones:
- in the case of a serious impact, the
airbags are triggered instantly and
protect the occupants of the vehicle
(with the exception of the rear centre
passenger); immediately after the
impact, the airbags defl ate rapidly
so that they do not hinder visibility
or the exit of the occupants,
- in the case of a minor or rear impact
or in certain roll-over conditions, the
airbags will not be triggered; the
seat belt alone is suffi cient to pro-
vide optimum protection in these
situations.
The airbags do not operate when
the ignition is switched off.
This equipment will only operate
once. If a second impact occurs
(during the same or a subse-
quent accident), the airbag will
not operate.
Impact detection zones
A. Front impact zone.
B. Side impact zone.
Triggering of the airbag(s) is ac-
companied by a slight emission
of harmless smoke and a noise,
due to the activation of the pyro-
technic cartridge incorporated in
the system.
This smoke is not harmful, but
sensitive individuals may experi-
ence slight irritation.
The noise of the detonation may
result in a slight loss of hearing
for a short time.
SAFETY
Front airbags
System which protects the driver and
front passenger in the event of a seri-
ous front impact in order to limit the risk
of injury to the head and chest.
The driver's airbag is incorporated in
the centre of the steering wheel; the
front passenger's airbag is incorporated
in the dashboard above the glove box.
Activation
The airbags are triggered simultaneous-
ly, unless the passenger's front airbag
is disarmed, in the event of a serious
front impact applied to all or part of the
front impact zone A , in the longitudinal
centreline of the vehicle on a horizontal
plane and directed from the front to the
rear of the vehicle.
The front airbag infl ates between the
front occupant of the vehicle and the
dashboard to cushion their forward
movement.
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