Lexus SC 430 2002 Manual page 135

In a severe frontal impact, the front airbag sensors detect
deceleration and the system triggers the front airbag inflators.
In a severe side impact, the side airbag sensor triggers the side
airbag inflator. At this time a chemical reaction in the inflators
quickly fills the airbags with non−toxic gas to help restrain the
forward or lateral motion of the occupants.
When the SRS airbags operate, they produce a fairly loud
noise and release some smoke and residue along with
non−toxic gas. This does not indicate a fire. This gas is
normally harmless; however, for those who have delicate skin,
it may cause minor skin irritation. Be sure to wash off any
residue as soon as possible to prevent any potential skin
irritation.
Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second,
so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the
system is designed to reduce serious injuries, it may also
cause minor burns or abrasions and swelling.
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, dashboard,
front seats) may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags
themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate
only once.
A crash severe enough to inflate the front airbags may break
the windshield as the vehicle buckles. In vehicles with a front
passenger airbag, the windshield may also be damaged by
absorbing some of the force of the inflating airbag.
COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION
D The SRS airbag system is designed only as a
supplement to the primary protection of the driver
side and front passenger side seat belt systems. The
front seat occupants can be killed or seriously
injured by the inflating airbags if they do not wear the
available seat belts properly. During sudden braking
just before a collision, an unrestrained driver or front
passenger can move forward or sideways into direct
contact with or close proximity to the airbag which
may then deploy during the collision. To ensure
maximum protection in an accident, the driver and all
passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts
properly. Wearing a seat belt properly during an
accident reduces the chances of death or serious
injury or being thrown out of the vehicle.
instructions and precautions concerning the seat
belt system, see "Seat belts" on page 102.
D Improperly seated and/or restrained infants and
children can be killed or seriously injured by a
deploying airbag. An infant or child who is too small
to use a seat belt should be properly secured using
a child restraint system.
recommends that all infants and children be placed
in the rear seat of the vehicle and properly restrained.
The rear seat is the safest for infants and children.
For instructions concerning the installation of a child
restraint system, see "Child restraint" on page 124.
For
Lexus strongly
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