What Makes An Airbag; Inflate; How Does An Airbag; Restrain - Chevrolet 2012 Corvette Owner's Manual

In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and a more
severe frontal impact. For moderate
frontal impacts, dual-stage airbags
inflate at a level less than full
deployment. For more severe frontal
impacts, full deployment occurs.
Depending on the model, the
vehicle may have one or two seat
position sensors. The seat position
sensor(s) enable the sensing
system to monitor the position of
the driver seat (all models
except Z06 and ZR1) and the
front outboard passenger seat
(all models). Seat position sensor(s)
provide information that is used in
determining whether the airbags
should inflate at a reduced or
full level.
The vehicle has seat-mounted side
impact airbags. See Airbag System
on page 3 15. Seat-mounted side
impact airbags are intended to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes, depending on the location
of the impact. Seat-mounted side
impact airbags will inflate if the
crash severity is above the
system's designed threshold level.
The threshold level can vary with
specific vehicle design.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are not intended to inflate in frontal
impacts, near-frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is intended to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the
vehicle damage or repair costs.
Seats and Restraints

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate?

In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out
of the cover. The inflator, the airbag,
and related hardware are all part of
the airbag module.
For airbag location, see Where Are
the Airbags? on page 3 17.

How Does an Airbag

Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact
the inside of the vehicle.
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