2005 Dodge Caravan Owner's Manual - Page 61

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 61 • The Driver and Passenger Airbag/Inflator Units are located in the center of the steering wheel and the right side of the instrument panel. When the ORC and impact sensors detects a collision requiring the airbags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the front airbags. Different airbag inflation rates may be possible based on collision severity and occupant size. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The airbags fully inflate in about 50-70 milliseconds. This is about half of the time it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger. The driver's and passenger's front airbag gas is vented through the airbag material towards the instrument panel. In this way the airbags do not interfere with your control of the vehicle. • The Side Impact SRS Window Bags are designed to activate only in certain side collisions. When the ORC and the side impact sensors (with side impact option) detects a collision requiring the window bags to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the window bag. The inflating window bag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and covers the window. The airbag inflates in about 30 milliseconds (about one quarter of the time it takes to blink your eyes) with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the window bag inflates. This especially applies to children. The window bag is only about 31⁄2 inches (9 cm) thick when it is inflated. 2