Audi Glossary

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 to trigger the airbags, the airbag control unit ignites the gas generator. 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. 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 safety belts - the safety belt pretensioner and the airbags are part of a finely tuned safety system. In addition to the front airbags, side airbags are also available. (See also: head and thorax side airbag, side airbag, sideguard)