How The Driver's Airbag Works - Honda 1997 Civic Hatchback Owner's Manual

Supplemental Restraint System

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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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
practical while still maintaining full
vehicle control.
After the bag completely inflates, it
immediately starts deflating so it
won't interfere with your visibility,
ability to steer, or ability to operate
other controls. The total time for
inflation and deflation is a fraction of
a second. You may not even be
aware that the airbag has been fully
inflated.