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.

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:

    Before Driving
    The RSE is for rear seat passengers only. The driver cannot safely view the video screen while driving. In severe or extreme weather conditions, the RSE system may not work until the temper ...

    Instrument Panel Illumination Control
    The brightness of the instrument panel lighting and steering wheel controls can be adjusted. : Move and hold the thumbwheel up or down to brighten or dim the lights. ...

    Ashtray(s)
    Notice: If papers, pins, or other flammable items are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other smoking materials could ignite them and possibly damage the vehicle. Never put flammable items ...