Airbags reduce the risk of severe head and chest (thorax) injuries in a certain collisions. If the crash sensors on the car detect an impact that exceeds the value needed the airbags are triggered. The Airbags are triggered when the system measures a rate of vehicle acceleration or deceleration higher than the rate programmed in the safety system of the car. If the acceleration or deceleration does not exceed the system’s programmed rate, the system will not deploy. This inflates the airbags in the steering wheel and the instrument panel in front of the front-seat passenger (the front airbags) within 30 to 40 milliseconds. When inflated, these airbags absorb energy from the forward movement of the head and upper body and distribute the resulting loads over a much greater area.
The two front Airbags (Driver & Co passenger) are controlled vent comprising a 2 level pressure generator with different levels of inflation depending on the impact severity. After only 120 milliseconds, the gas escapes and the airbag collapses. Reducing the amount of relative movement between the head and neck helps to reduce injuries, but optimum protection can only be achieved if all occupants are properly wearing their seat belts. The seat Belts pretensioners and the airbags are part of a finely tuned safety system.
Side airbags for front or rear passengers (also called “thorax” airbags) deploy in the space between the upper torso and the door trim in certain side impacts. Together with a properly worn three point seat belts they reduce the load on the thorax and pelvic areas.
The lateral curtain airbags are designed to protect the font and rear passenger heads in case of side collusion.
All the Renault coupe & coupe cabriolet model have as standard a forth version of airbags which is called “anti-submarine”. The anti-submarining airbags hold the front occupant firmly in the seat to prevent submarining (sliding under the seatbelt in the even of a head on impact). This airbag is very important since the belts pretensioners were replaced in order to allow easy access to rear seats. However, this system provides exactly the same level of production identical to the hatchback pretensioners.
