Airbag Works - Honda 1995 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual

Supplemental Restraint System
Just from viewing the vehicle
damage after a crash, it is very
difficult to accurately determine
if the airbags should or should
not have inflated. In some cases
where the airbag did not inflate,
extensive visible damage
indicated that the car absorbed
much of the crash energy, and
the airbags were not needed. In
other cases, a severe jolt, such
as an impact to the
undercarriage, may not cause
extensive body damage but
cause the airbags to inflate.
Driver and Passenger Safety
How the Driver's

Airbag Works

If you ever have a severe frontal
collision, your airbag will
instantly inflate to help protect
your head and chest.
To do its job, the airbag inflates
with considerable force. So,
while it can reduce serious
injuries and even save your life,
the airbag might cause some
facial abrasions or other injuries.
To reduce the possibility of
injury, you should always sit
back as far from the steering
wheel as is practical while still
maintaining full vehicle control.