02 Safety
02
38
Side airbag (SIPS)
In a side impact collision a large proportion of
the collision force is transferred by the SIPS
(Side Impact Protection System) to beams,
pillars, the floor, the roof and other structural
parts of the body. The side airbags at the driv-
er's and front passenger seats protect the
chest area and the hip and are an important
part of the SIPS.
The SIPS bag system consists of two main
components, side airbag and sensors. The
side airbags are located in the front seat's
backrests.
A sufficiently violent collision trips the sensors
and the side airbags are inflated. The airbag
inflates between the occupant and the door
panel and thereby cushions the initial impact.
The airbag deflates when compressed by the
collision. The side airbag is normally only
deployed on the side of the collision.
Driver's seat, left-hand drive.
Front passenger seat, left-hand drive.
WARNING
•Volvo recommends that repairs are
only carried out by an authorised Volvo
workshop. Defective work in the SIPS-
bag system could cause malfunction
and result in serious personal injury.
•Do not put objects in the area between
the outside of the seat and the door
panel, since this area is required by
the side airbag.
•Volvo recommends the use only of car
seat covers approved by Volvo. Other
seat covers may impede the operation
of the side airbags.
•Side airbags are a supplement the
seatbelts. Always use a seatbelt.
Related information
•Airbags on driver's side (p. 34)
•Passenger airbag (p. 34)
•Side airbag (SIPS) - child seat/booster
cushion (p. 39)
•Inflatable Curtain (IC) (p. 39)
