AirbagPanama

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Panama. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


98. Airbag

An airbag is a vehicle safety device that rapidly inflates during certain collisions to help reduce the risk of an occupant striking the steering wheel, dashboard, doors or other parts of the vehicle interior. Vehicles may have frontal, side, curtain or other types of airbags.

Airbags form part of a supplemental restraint system (SRS) and are designed to work together with seat belts rather than replace them. Occupants should sit correctly, wear their seat belts and follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions concerning airbags and child-restraint systems.

Car crash test at 40 km/h with different safety measures: safety belt and airbag (front), safety belt only (back, right) and no safety measures (back, left).
Wikimedia.org • Transport For NSW • CC BY-SA
What is an airbag?

An airbag is an inflatable vehicle safety device designed to help protect occupants during certain types of collision.

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, pages 1.19–1.61 and 2.38–2.40, restraints and driver aids; model-specific example

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, air bags as supplemental protection

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, seat belts and occupant protection

🔗 bosch-mobility.com • Bosch, electronic stability program, ABS and traction-control functions

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 99–102, restraints; national guidance example

How does an airbag work?

Sensors detect collision conditions and, when the system determines that deployment is required, the airbag inflates extremely quickly to provide additional protection between the occupant and parts of the vehicle interior.

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, pages 1.19–1.61 and 2.38–2.40, restraints and driver aids; model-specific example

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, air bags as supplemental protection

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, seat belts and occupant protection

🔗 bosch-mobility.com • Bosch, electronic stability program, ABS and traction-control functions

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 99–102, restraints; national guidance example

Does an airbag replace a seat belt?

No. Airbags are supplemental restraints and are designed to work together with seat belts. Occupants should always wear their seat belts where required.

🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia Sandero, Stepway and Jogger owner’s manual, pages 1.19–1.61 and 2.38–2.40, restraints and driver aids; model-specific example

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, air bags as supplemental protection

🔗 nhtsa.gov • US NHTSA, seat belts and occupant protection

🔗 bosch-mobility.com • Bosch, electronic stability program, ABS and traction-control functions

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 99–102, restraints; national guidance example

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