Airbags - PEUGEOT 308 Handbook

8
SAFETY

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 deployed 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 deployed;
the seat belt alone is suffi cient to
provide optimum protection in these
situations.
!
The airbags do not operate when
the ignition is switched off.
This equipment will only deploy
once. If a second impact occurs
(during the same or a subsequent
accident), the airbag will not be de-
ployed again.
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Impact detection zones
A. Front impact zone.
B. Side impact zone.
i
Deployment of the airbag(s) is ac-
companied by a slight emission of
harmless smoke and a noise, due to
the activation of the pyrotechnic car-
tridge incorporated in the system.
This smoke is not harmful, but sen-
sitive individuals may experience
slight irritation.
The noise of the detonation may
result in a slight loss of hearing for
a short time.
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 thorax.
The driver's airbag is fi tted in the centre
of the steering wheel; the front passen-
ger's airbag is fi tted in the dashboard
above the glove box.
Deployment
The airbags are deployed simultaneously,
unless the passenger's front airbag is deacti-
vated, in the event of a serious front impact to
all or part of the front impact zone A , in the
longitudinal centreline of the vehicle on a hori-
zontal plane and directed from the front to the
rear of the vehicle.
The front airbag infl ates between the thorax
and head of the front occupant of the vehicle
and the steering wheel, driver's side, and the
dashboard, passenger's side to cushion their
forward movement.