僅 Air Bag System Operation - Kia EV9 2024 Manual

Safety features of your Kia
Air bag system operation
僅 Air bags are activated (able to inflate
if necessary) only when the EV button
has been changed to ON position or
the vehicle is in the ready mode.
僅 The appropriate air bags inflate
instantly in the event of a serious
frontal collision or side collision in
order to help protect the occupants
from serious physical injury.
僅 Generally, air bags are designed to
inflate based on the severity of a colli -
sion and its direction. These two fac -
tors determine whether the sensors
produce an electronic deployment/
inflation signal.
僅 Air bags will inflate based upon the
severity of a collision and its direction,
etc. But air bags will not inflate in
every crash or collision situation.
僅 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 sim -
ply see the deflated air bags hanging
out of their storage compartments
after the collision.
僅 In addition to inflating in serious side
collisions, side/curtain air bags, and/
or the front center side air bag will
inflate if the sensing system detects a
rollover.
僅 When a rollover is detected, side/cur -
tain air bags, and/or the front center
side air bag will remain inflated longer
to help provide protection from ejec -
tion, especially when used in conjunc -
tion with the seat belts.
僅 In order to help provide protection,
the air bags must inflate rapidly. The
speed of inflation is a consequence
4 52
Air bag - advanced supplemental restraint system
extremely short time before the occu -
pant impacts vehicle structures. This
speed of inflation reduces the risk of
serious or life-threatening injuries and
is thus a necessary part of the air bag
design. However, air bag inflation can
also cause injuries which can include
facial abrasions, bruises and broken
bones because the inflation speed
also causes the air bags to expand
with a great deal of force.
僅 There are even circumstances
under which contact with the steer -
ing wheel or passenger air bag can
cause fatal injuries, especially if the
occupant is too close to the steering
wheel or passenger air bag.
WARNING
Airbag Inflation
Sit as far back as possible from the
steering wheel while still maintaining
comfortable control of the vehicle. A dis -
tance of at least 10" from your chest to
the steering wheel is recommended.
Failure to do so can result in airbag infla -
tion injuries to the driver.
Noise and smoke
When inflated, the air bags make a loud
noise and release smoke and powder in
the vehicle. This is normal and is a result
of the ignition of the air bag inflator.
After the air bag inflates, you may feel
substantial discomfort in breathing due
to the contact of your chest with both
the seat belt and the air bag, as well as
from breathing the smoke and powder.
Open your doors and/or windows as
soon as possible after impact to
reduce discomfort and prevent pro -
longed exposure to the smoke and
powder.