In the event of a frontal impact, these devices can work either simultaneously or separately from each other.
The principle of operation of the passive safety system is that in the event of a frontal collision, provided that the ignition is on, the front seat belts with a pretensioner are retracted in a very short period of time to securely fix the driver and front passenger (depending on the severity of the collision), and inflate the airbags. After the impact, the airbags deflate, which can allow you to leave the car freely. Pretensioner and load limiter seat belts and airbags reduce the risk of injury to the driver's and front passenger's upper body and head.
The airbags are activated by a pyrotechnic system, which explains the popping sound and the heat and smoke generated when they are deployed (which does not mean the start of a fire). When the airbags deploy, there is a risk of skin damage or other injury.
Airbags are labeled AIRBAG or SRS AIRBAG.
The passive safety system for the driver and front passenger, depending on the version, includes:
- driver's airbag module mounted in the steering wheel;
- front passenger airbag module located in the instrument panel;
- side airbag modules for the driver and front passenger located in the sidewalls of the front seat backs;
- remote sensors;
- inertial seat belts;
- driver and front passenger seat belts with pretensioner and load limiter;
- connector with a rotating device mounted on the steering shaft (for connecting the horn switch and the driver's airbag module to the vehicle's on-board circuit);
- - control and diagnostic unit (installed on the body floor tunnel under the instrument panel console);
- restraint system diagnostic indicator in the instrument cluster.
When the ignition is switched on, the diagnostic indicator located in the instrument cluster lights up for a few seconds. If the diagnostic indicator does not come on when the ignition is switched on, or if it comes on when the engine is running, this indicates a malfunction in the passive safety system for the driver and front passenger. It is not recommended to put a passenger in this seat and install a child seat. In this case, as well as after an accident, you must contact the SSSS.
Airbags are an additional means of protection for the driver and front passenger fastened with a seat belt and work in the areas of action shown in Figure 15a (highlighted in color): in a collision of a certain severity, front airbags in frontal impacts, side airbags in side impacts from the side of impact.
However, they may also work in other emergency situations if the vehicle experiences similar impacts to those it is exposed to in a frontal or side collision.
Examples of situations with activation of the passive safety system:
- collision with a fixed, non-deformable obstacle: the airbag may deploy at low speeds;
- collision with a moving deformable obstacle (e.g. with another car): the airbag is activated only at an increased vehicle speed and in the zone of operation and deployment;
- in the case of a sufficient impact on the car from the front, some examples are shown in Figure 15b.
The restraint system does not work when:
- off ignition;
- insufficient severity of frontal or side collisions;
- car overturning;
- blows to the vehicle in cases where it cannot improve safety.
The degree of damage to the car body in a collision (or no major damage) is not always an indicator of normal or abnormal operation of the passive safety system.
When the airbag deploys, there is little to no danger of obstructing the driver's visibility, as it inflates and deflates in a short amount of time.
The airbag provides optimum protection when the seat, backrest and head restraint are correctly positioned. The entire back should be supported by the seatback and the seat should be moved as far back as is practical and comfortable for the driver so as not to lose control of the vehicle. Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible and adjust the backrest in an upright position so as not to experience inconvenience and discomfort. Improper seating when the airbags deploy can result in serious injury or death. The airbag needs space when it is inflated with gas.
The passive safety system for the driver and front passenger is a stand-alone disposable device. After operation, the control unit, airbag modules and seat belts with a pretensioner are subject to mandatory replacement at a certified PSSS.
Warning!
- 1. The airbag does not replace the seat belt, it only complements it, so always wear your seat belts. Those who do not use seat belts run the risk of being significantly more seriously injured or even thrown out of the vehicle at the time of an accident. The seat belt helps you to assume the safest sitting position in the event of an accident, in which the airbag can provide the most effective protection.
- 2. Never attach any objects to the steering wheel and instrument panel as they may cause injury if the airbags deploy. The same danger exists when a driver or passenger smokes a pipe or uses a mobile phone while driving.
- 3. When driving, do not put your forearms/hands on the place where the airbag is mounted.
- 4. When driving, the passenger in the front seat should not lean on the instrument panel and hold any objects that could cause injury in an accident. Also, do not put your feet on the dashboard or on the seat, because. this could result in serious injury in an accident. The passenger is advised to constantly ensure that all parts of his body (knees, hands, head, etc.) located at a sufficient distance from the instrument panel and side parts of the body.
- 5. It is forbidden to install a rearward facing child seat on the front passenger seat.
- 6. The diagnostic indicator should turn on for 3-4 seconds after the ignition is turned on, and then turn off. The subsequent activation of the diagnostic indicator during vehicle operation means that a malfunction has been detected in the passive safety system and its operation in the event of a frontal or side collision is not guaranteed.
- 7. Unauthorized intervention in the restraint system is prohibited. All work on it must be carried out only on certified SSSS by specially trained personnel.
- 8. Immediately after the deployment of airbags, some elements of the system may have a high temperature. To avoid burns, do not touch hot parts.
- 9. Skin surfaces that show signs of irritation should be washed thoroughly with soapy water. If eyes are irritated, rinse them with clean water. If you are worried for a long time, you should consult a doctor.
Warning!
- The side airbag is an additional means of protecting the driver and front passenger with fastened seat belts in the event of a side collision!
- No foreign objects must be placed between the outer side surface of the front seats and the door trim!
- Seat covers with side airbags for the driver and front passenger must not be used!
- It is forbidden to hang or fasten foreign objects on the handrails.
- To avoid inadvertent deployment of the side airbags, do not hit the B-pillars in the area where the side impact sensors are installed with the ignition on.