How The Airbags Work; Types Of Airbags - Tesla S Owner's Manual

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

Model S has the following types of airbags:
• Advanced front airbags: The front airbags
are advanced 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.
• 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 of the vehicle do not inflate.
• Curtain airbags: Curtain airbags help
protect the head and typically inflate only
if a severe side impact occurs, or if the
vehicle rolls over. Curtain airbags on both
the impacted and non-impacted side of
the vehicle will inflate.
Airbags
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