Owner's Manual

Safety features of your vehicle
245
It is much more likely that you will sim-
ply see the deflated air bag hanging
out of the storage compartment after
the collision.
• In order to help provide protection in a
severe collision, the air bag must inflate
rapidly. The speed of air bag inflation is
a consequence of the extremely short
time in which a collision occurs and the
need to inflate the air bag between the
occupant and the vehicle structures
before the occupant impacts those
structures. This speed of inflation
reduces the risk of serious or life-
threatening injuries in a severe collision
and is thus a necessary part of an air
bag design.
However, an air bag inflation can also
cause injuries which can include facial
abrasions, bruises and broken bones
because the inflation speed also caus-
es the air bag to expand with a great
deal of force.
• There are even circumstances
under which contact with the steer-
ing wheel can cause fatal injuries,
especially if the occupant is posi-
tioned excessively close to the
steering wheel.
Noise and smoke
When the air bag inflates, it makes a loud
noise and leaves smoke and powder in
the air inside of the vehicle. This is nor-
mal and is a result of the ignition of the
air bag inflator. After the air bag inflates,
you may feel substantial discomfort in
breathing due to the contact of your
chest with both the seat belt and the air
bag, as well as from breathing the smoke
and powder. Open your doors and/or
windows as soon as possible after
impact in order to reduce discomfort
and prevent prolonged exposure to
the smoke and powder.
Though the smoke and powder are non-
toxic, they may cause irritation to the skin
(eyes, nose and throat, etc). If this is the
case, wash and rinse with cold water
immediately and consult a doctor if the
symptom persists.
WARNING
• To avoid severe personal injury
or death caused by a deploying
air bag in a collision, the driver
should sit as far back from the
steering wheel air bag as possi-
ble (at least 250 mm (10 inches)
away).
• An air bag inflates instantly in the
event of a collision, and the driv-
er may be injured by the air bag
expansion force if he/she is not in
a proper position.
• An air bag inflation may cause
injuries including facial or bodily
abrasions, injuries from broken
glasses or burns.