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1.30
METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS (2/3)
Air bags for driver and front
passenger
It is fitted to the front seats on the dri-
ver’s side and, depending on the vehi-
cle, on the passenger’s side as well.
Depending on the vehicle, the pre-
sence of this equipment is indicated
by the word “air bag” on the steering
wheel and dashboard (air bag zone A)
and a symbol on the lower section of
the windscreen.
Each air bag system consists of:
– an air bag and gas generator fitted
on the steering wheel for the driver
and in the dashboard for the front
passenger;
– an electronic unit for system monito-
ring which controls the gas generator
electrical trigger system;
– a single indicator light
å on the
instrument panel;
– remote sensors.
A
Operation
This system is only operational when
the ignition is switched on.
In a severe frontal impact, the air bags
inflate rapidly, cushioning the impact
of the driver’s head and chest against
the steering wheel and of the front pas-
senger against the dashboard. The air
bags then deflate immediately so that
the passengers are not in any way hin-
dered from leaving the vehicle.
Load limiter
Above a certain severity of impact, this
mechanism is used to limit the force of
the belt against the body so that it is at
an acceptable level.
The air bag system uses
pyrotechnic principles. This
explains why, when the air
bag inflates, it will generate
heat, produce smoke (this does not
mean that a fire is about to start)
and make a noise upon detonation.
In a situation where an air bag is re-
quired, it will inflate immediately and
this may cause some minor, superfi-
cial grazing to the skin or other pro-
blems.
Vehicle fitted with three
front seats
The passenger airbag only
protects the front side pas-
senger; the front centre passenger
is only protected by the seat belt.
Please follow the usual safety ins-
tructions (wearing the seat belt).
Risk of injury in the event of an ac-
cident.
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