User's Manual

39
SUPPLEMENTARY RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
WARNING: Always remember that
the air bags are a Supplementary
Restraint System providing additional
protection in certain types of collision only
- they do not replace the need to wear a
seat belt. To reduce the risk of severe injury
or death in the event of a crash, all
occupants in all seating positions should
always wear their seat belt.
WARNING: Occupants not properly
restrained in designated seating
positions are at high risk of death or serious
injury in the event of air bag deployment.
WARNING: Do not use a child
restraint on a seat with an
operational air bag in front of it. There is a
risk of death or serious injury when the air
bag deploys.
WARNING: Because airbags inflate
with great force and faster than the
blink of an eye, anyone who is up against,
or very close to any airbag when it inflates
can be seriously injured or killed. Do not sit
unnecessarily close to any airbag, as you
would be if sitting on the edge of the seat or
leaning forward. Safety belts help keep you
in position before and during a crash.
Always wear a safety belt, even with
airbags. The driver should sit as far back as
possible while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.
HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
WARNING: The air bags are a
Supplemental Restraint System
providing additional protection in certain
types of collisions only - they do not
replace the need to wear a seat belt.
Operation of the air bag system depends
on the rate at which your vehicle's
passenger compartment changes speed
as a result of a collision.
In the event of a collision, the air bag
control unit monitors the rate of
deceleration induced by the collision to
determine whether the air bags should be
deployed.
When deployed, air bags inflate instantly
with considerable force and are
accompanied by a loud noise. The inflated
bag, together with the seat belt restraint
system, limits the movement of the
occupants, thereby reducing the risk of
injury to the head and upper torso.
The air bag system is not designed to
operate as a result of:
• Rear collisions
• Minor front impacts
• Minor side impacts
• Heavy braking
• Driving over bumps or potholes
It follows, therefore, that significant
superficial damage can occur without the
air bags deploying or, conversely, that a
relatively small amount of structural
damage can cause the air bags to be
deployed.
KNEE AIR BAGS
The knee air bags are designed to work in
conjunction with the deployment of the
front air bags. When deployed, the knee air
bags limit the forward motion of the driver
or front passenger by restricting leg
movement, thereby positioning the
occupant so that the front air bags work
more effectively.
SIDE AIR BAGS
WARNING: Occupants should not
lean on or sleep against the door or
side windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags and/or
roof-rail airbags
WARNING: Ensure that a gap is
maintained between the side of the
vehicle and the torso, to enable
unobstructed inflation of the seat-
mounted side air bags.
WARNING: Do not use non-
approved seat covers or accessory
seat covers on a front seat as these will
prevent the side air bag from deploying
correctly in an accident. If in doubt, consult
a Karma Service Provider.