Side Airbags - Volvo S40 Owner's Manual

Safety
Left-hand drive Right-hand drive
Side impact protection system
(SIPS)
The SIPS airbag consists of a gas generator
(1), side airbag(2) and sensors (3). When a
sufficiently violent collision occurs, the
sensors react and activate the gas generator
which inflates the side airbag. The airbag
inflates between the occupant and the door
panel, cushioning the impact at the moment
of collision, and then deflates. Normally, only
the side airbag on the side of the collision
inflates.