Kia Niro Owner's Manual page 78

• In order to help provide protection
in a severe collision, the air bags
must inflate rapidly. The speed of
the air bag inflation is a conse-
quence of extremely short time in
which a collision occurs and the
need to inflate the air bag between
the occupant and the vehicle struc-
tures before the occupant impacts
those structures.
This speed of inflation reduces the
risk of serious or life-threatening
injuries in a severe collision and is
thus a necessary part of the air
bag design.
However, air bag inflation can also
cause injuries which can include
facial abrasions, bruises and bro-
ken bones because the inflation
speed also causes the air bags to
expand with a great deal of force.
• There are even circumstances
under which contact with the
steering wheel air bag can cause
fatal injuries, especially if the
occupant is positioned exces-
sively close to the steering
wheel.
WARNING
• To avoid severe personal
injury or death caused by
deploying air bags in a colli-
sion, the driver should sit as
far back from the steering
wheel air bag as possible (at
least 250 mm (10 inches)
away). The front passengers
should always move their
seats as far back as possible
and sit back in their seat.
• Air bags inflate instantly in the
event of a collision, and pas-
sengers may be injured by the
air bag expansion force if they
are not in a proper position.
• Air bag inflation may cause
injuries including facial or
bodily abrasions, injuries
from broken glasses or burns.
Safety features of your vehicle
Noise and smoke
When the air bags inflate, they make
a loud noise and they leave smoke
and powder in the air inside of the
vehicle. This is normal and is a result
of the ignition of the air bag inflator.
After the air bag inflates, you may
feel substantial discomfort in breath-
ing due to the contact of your chest
with both the seat belt and the air
bag, as well as from breathing the
smoke and powder. Open your
doors and/or windows as soon as
possible after the impact in order
to reduce discomfort and prevent
prolonged exposure to smoke and
powder.
Though the smoke and powder are
non-toxic, they may cause irritation
to the skin (eyes, nose and throat,
etc). If this is the case, wash and
rinse with cold water immediately
and consult a doctor if the symptom
persists.
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