Airbags
System designed to maximise the safety of the occupants (with the exception of the rear centre passenger) in the event of violent collisions. It supplements the action of the force-limiting
seat belts (with the exception of the rear centre passenger). If a collision occurs, the electronic detectors record and analyse the front and side impacts sustained in the impact detection zones: - in the case of a serious impact, the airbags are triggered instantly and protect the occupants of the vehicle (with the exception of the rear centre passenger); immediately after the impact, the airbags deflate rapidly so that they do not hinder visibility or the exit of the occupants, - in the case of a minor or rear impact or in cer tain roll-over conditions, the airbags will not be triggered; the seat belt alone is sufficient to provide optimum protection in these situations.
The airbags do not operate when the ignition is switched off. This equipment will only deploy once. If a second impact occurs (during the same or a subsequent accident), the airbag will not be triggered again.
Impact detection zones
A. Front impact zone. B. Side impact zone.
Triggering of the airbag(s) is
accompanied by a slight emission of harmless smoke and a noise, due to the activation of the pyrotechnic
car tridge incorporated in the system. This smoke is not harmful, but sensitive individuals may experience slight irritation. The noise of the detonation may result in a slight loss of hearing for a short time.
143Safety
Front airbags
System which protects the driver and front passenger in the event of a serious front impact in order to limit the risk of injury to the head and chest. The driver's airbag is incorporated in the centre of the steering wheel; the front passenger's airbag is incorporated in the dashboard above the glove box.
Activation
The airbags are triggered simultaneously, unless the passenger's front airbag is deactivated, in the event of a serious front impact applied to all or par t of the front impact zone A , in the longitudinal centreline of the vehicle on a horizontal plane and directed from the front to the rear of the vehicle. The front airbag inflates between the head-thorax of the front occupant of the vehicle and the dashboard to cushion their for ward
movement.