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When fully inflated, the airbags reduce the risk of head or chest injury in a side collision.
- Fig. 319 Head-protection airbags in inflated condition
The head-protection airbag system is triggered in certain types of side collision Fig. 319►. Further airbag systems may also be triggered, depending on the circumstances.
When the system is triggered, the airbag fills with a propellant gas and covers the area in front of the side windows next to the outer seats, including the door pillars. The head-protection airbag inflates to soften the impact if an occupant strikes parts of the interior or objects outside the vehicle with their head. By reducing the head impact and restraining uncontrolled movement of the head, the airbag also reduces the forces acting on the neck.
In order to provide the desired extra protection in an accident, the airbags have to inflate extremely rapidly (within fractions of a second).