The airbag system is triggered in collisions with a severe impact.
The airbag system is designed so that the airbags for the driver and front passenger are triggered in a severe frontal collision.
In severe side collisions the side airbags on the impact side of the vehicle are triggered together with the head-protection airbag.
The front airbags, side airbags and one of the head-protection airbags may be triggered together in certain types of accident.
The airbag system is not triggered in minor frontal or side collisions, or in rear collisions or if the car overturns. In these situations the occupants are protected by wearing the seat belts.
Factors determining the triggering response
It is not possible to define the exact triggering response of the airbag system in all possible situations, since the circumstances in different types of accident will vary considerably. Important factors include, for example, the nature (hard or soft) of the object which the car hits, the angle of impact, vehicle speed and so on.
Whether the airbags are triggered depends primarily on the vehicle deceleration rate resulting from the collision. By processing the signals from the sensors located in the vehicle, the electronic control unit is immediately able to evaluate the severity of the collision and activate the restraint systems accordingly. If the deceleration rate is below the predefined reference value in the control unit the airbags will not be triggered, even though the accident may cause extensive damage to the car.
Note
The airbag releases a fine dust when it inflates. This is quite normal and does not mean there is a fire in the vehicle.