How Does an Airbag Restrain?

In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel.

In moderate to severe side collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle.

Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts by distributing the force of the impact more evenly over the occupant's body.

Rollover capable roof—rail airbags are designed to help contain the head and chest of occupants in the outboard seating positions in the first and second rows.

The rollover capable roof—rail airbags are designed to help reduce the risk of full or partial ejection in rollover events, although no system can prevent all such ejections.

But airbags would not help in many types of collisions, primarily because the occupant's motion is not toward those airbags. See When Should an Airbag Inflate? for more information.

Airbags should never be regarded as anything more than a supplement to safety belts.

    See also:

    Safety Belt Extender
    If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten around you, you should use it. But if a safety belt is not long enough, your dealer will order you an extender. When you go in to order it, take the h ...

    Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
    The vehicle may have a rear vision camera system. Read this entire section before using it. The rear vision camera system is designed to help the driver when backing up by displaying a view o ...

    Wheels and Trim—Aluminum or Chrome
    Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and water to clean the wheels. After rinsing thoroughly with clean water, dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax may then be applied. Notice: Chrome wheels a ...