Front Airbags - Skoda FABIA - 03-2010 Owner's Manual

When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is designed in such a way that the driver and the front passenger
airbag* are deployed in the event of a frontal collision of major severity.
In the case of a violent side crash, the side airbag* in the front seat and the head
airbag* on the side on which the collision occurs are deployed.
It is also possible under certain special accident situations that the front as well as the
side airbags and head airbags* are deployed at the same time.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-end
collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to state globally which deployment conditions apply to the airbag
system in every situation as the circumstances which exist in the case of accidents vary
greatly. An important role in this case, for example, is played by factors such as the type
of object against which the vehicle impacts (hard, soft), the angle of impact, the vehicle
speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which occurs
during a collision. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the
relevant restraint system. If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured
during the collision remains below the prescribed reference values specified in the
control unit, the airbags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe
damage to the bodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The airbags are not deployed if:

ignition is switched off;

a minor frontal collision;

a minor side collision;

a rear-end collision;

Rollover of the vehicle.
Note

A grey white or red, non harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is
perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
Using the system Safety


Front airbags

Description of the front airbags
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belt!
Fig. 111 Driver airbag in the steering wheel / front passenger airbag in the dash panel
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel
airbag for the front passenger* is housed in the dash panel above the storage compart-
ment
"AIRBAG" logo.
The front airbag system, in combination with three-point safety belts, offers additional
protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger in the event of
a frontal collision of major severity 
the front airbag system" on page 120.
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but is part of the complete passive
vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only offer you optimal
protection in combination with a seat belt which is fastened.
Driving Tips General Maintenance
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
 the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
 the hazard warning light is switched on;
 All the doors are unlocked.
 fig. 111
on the right. The installation positions are each marked with the
Breakdown assistance
Airbag system
 fig.
111. The front
in "Important safety information regarding
Technical Data
119