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METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS
the belt against the body so that it is at
an acceptable level.
Airbags for driver and front
passenger
Fitted to the driver and passenger
side.
The presence of this equipment is
indicated by the word "Air bag" on the
steering wheel and dashboard (air bag
zone A ) and, depending on the
vehicle, a symbol on the lower section
of the windscreen.
Each air bag system consists of :
– an air bag and gas generator fitted
on the steering wheel for the driver
and in the dashboard for the front
passenger ;
– an electronic unit for system
monitoring which controls the gas
generator electrical trigger system ;
– a single
warning light on the
instrument panel.
The air bag system uses
pyrotechnic principles.
This explains why, when
the air bag inflates, it will
generate heat, produce smoke
(this does not mean that a fire is
about to start) and make a noise
upon detonation. In a situation
where an air bag is required, it will
inflate immediately and this may
cause some minor, superficial
grazing to the skin or other
problems.
Operation
This system is only operational when
the ignition is switched on.
In a severe frontal impact, the air
bags inflate rapidly, cushioning the
impact of the driver's head and chest
against the steering wheel and of the
front passenger against the
dashboard. The air bags then deflate
immediately so that the passengers
are not in any way hindered from
leaving the vehicle.
G e t t i n g t o k n o w y o u r v e h i c l e - 3 1
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