Lexus ES-300 2001 Manual page 170

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
" SRS front airbags
In response to a severe frontal impact, the SRS front
airbags work together with the seat belts to help
reduce injury by inflating. The SRS front airbags
help to reduce injuries mainly to the driver's or front
passenger's head or chest caused by directly hitting
the steering wheel or dashboard.
The front passenger airbag is activated even with no
passenger in the front seat.
Be sure to wear your seat belt properly.
153