Tesla S Owner's Manual page 33

How the Airbags Work
Inflation of airbags depends on the rate at which the
vehicle's cabin changes speed in a collision. The
rate of deceleration determines whether airbags
inflate.
Airbags inflate instantly with considerable force
accompanied by a loud noise. The inflated bag,
together with the seat belts, limits movement of
occupants to reduce the risk of injury.
Front airbags are not ordinarily designed to inflate in
rear collisions, rollovers, minor front or side
collisions, heavy braking, or driving over bumps and
potholes. Therefore, significant superficial damage
can occur to the vehicle without the airbags inflating
or, conversely, a relatively small amount of
structural damage can cause airbags to inflate.
If you are planning to modify your vehicle for a
person with disabilities in a way that may affect the
airbag system, contact Tesla.
Seating and Safety Restraints
Types of Airbags
Advanced The front airbags are advanced
front airbags airbags designed to reduce airbag
related injuries to children or small
adults who ride in the front seats.
On the driver's side, the front
airbag works with a seat position
sensor that adjusts the inflation
level based on the seating
position of the occupant. For
safety of infants and small
children, the front passenger
airbag must be disabled, as
described below.
Knee airbags Knee airbags and the front
airbags work together. The knee
airbags limit the forward motion of
the front seat occupants by
restricting leg movement, thereby
positioning the occupants so that
the front airbags work more
effectively.
Side airbags Side airbags protect the thorax
region of the torso and the pelvis.
They inflate only if a severe side
impact occurs. Side airbags on
the non-impacted side do not
inflate.
Curtain Curtain airbags help protect the
airbags head and typically inflate only if a
severe side impact occurs, or if
the vehicle rolls over. Curtain
airbags on the non-impacted side
do not inflate.
Airbags
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