METHODS OF RESTRAINT IN ADDITION TO THE FRONT SEAT BELTS (2/4)
Chest-level and lap belt load
limiters
Above a certain severity of impact, this
mechanism is used to limit the force of
the belt against the body so that it is at
an acceptable level.
Air bags for driver and front
passenger
Fitted to the driver and passenger side.
The presence of this equipment is in-
dicated by the word “Air bag” on the
steering wheel and the dashboard (air
bag zone A) and, depending on the ve-
hicle, a label on the lower part of the
windscreen.
Each air bag system consists of:
– an air bag and gas generator fitted
on the steering wheel for the driver
and in the dashboard for the front
passenger;
– an electronic unit for system monitor-
ing which controls the gas generator
electrical trigger system;
– a single
å warning light on the
instrument panel.
– remote sensors.
A
The air bag system uses
pyrotechnic principles. This
explains why, when the air
bag inflates, it will gener-
ate heat, produce smoke (this does
not mean that a fire is about to start)
and make a noise upon detonation.
In a situation where an air bag is
required, it will inflate immediately
and this may cause some minor, su-
perficial grazing to the skin or other
problems.
