Honda Jazz Owner's Manual page 77

07/09/12 09:20:32 32SAA650_077
Additional Information About Your Airbags (For some types)
During a frontal crash, your seat belt
helps restrain your lower body and
torso, while the tensioner tightens
and locks the seat belt to help keep
you in place. Your airbag provides a
cushion to help restrain and protect
your head and chest.
Since both front airbags use the
same sensors, both airbags normally
inflate at the same time. However, it
is possible for only one airbag to
inflate.
This can occur when the severity of
a collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the front airbags will deploy.
In such cases, the seat belt will
provide sufficient protection, and the
supplemental protection offered by
the airbag would be minimal.
74
Driver and Passenger Safety
After inflating, the front airbags
immediately deflate, so they won't
interfere with the driver's visibility,
or the ability to steer or operate
other controls.
The total time for inflation and
deflation is approximately one-tenth
of a second, so fast that most
occupants are not aware that the
front airbags deployed until they see
them lying in their laps.
After a crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag's surface.
Although the powder is not harmful,
people with respiratory problems
may experience some temporary
discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.