Fiat ABARTH 500 2017 User Manual page 27

On the other hand, depending on the type and location of impact, front air bags
may deploy in crashes with little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a
severe initial deceleration.
Because air bag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over time, vehicle speed and
damage by themselves are not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should
have deployed.
Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all collisions, and also are needed to
help keep you in position, away from an inflating air bag.
When the ORC detects a collision requiring the front air bags, it signals the inflator
units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the front air bags.
The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel
separate and fold out of the way as the air bags inflate to their full size. The front air
bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink your eyes. The front air bags then
quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the driver and front passenger,
and position the front occupants for improved interaction with the front air bags.
• Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact bolsters in any way.
• Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact bolsters such as alarm
lights, stereos, citizen band radios, etc.
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag mounted in the
instrument panel below the steering column. The Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
provides enhanced protection during a frontal impact by working together with the
seat belts, pretensioners, and front air bags.
GETTING STARTED
WARNING!
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