Honda 1993 Civic Reference Owner's Manual page 14

Supplemental Restraint System
Emergency power backup in case
your car's electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
Important Safety Reminder
Even with an airbag, you need to
wear a seat belt. The reasons are:
Airbags only inflate in severe
frontal collisions. They offer no
protection in rear impacts, side
impacts, rollovers, or moderate
frontal collisions.
Driver and Passenger Safety
An airbag inflates and deflates
very quickly. It cannot protect
you during any additional
impacts that can occur during a
crash.
A seat belt helps keep you in the
proper position when an airbag
inflates. An airbag opens with
considerable force and can hurt
you if you are not in the proper
position.
How the Airbag Works
If you ever have a severe frontal
collision, your airbag will instantly
inflate to help protect your head
and chest.
When the airbag inflates, you may
hear a fairly loud noise and you
might see smoke and powder. This
is normal; it is caused by the
inflation of the airbag.