2008 Dodge Avenger Owner's Manual - Page 55

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53 • Front Seat- side mounted (Thorax) Airbags - If Equipped • Front Impact Sensors • Side Impact Sensors (If Equipped) • Steering Wheel and Column • Instrument Panel • Seat Belt Reminder Light • Knee Impact Bolster • Front Seat Belt Pretensioners FRONT SEAT AIRBAG FEATURES The front airbag system has dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags. This system provides output appropriate to the level of crash severity as determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) and the impact sensors at the front of the car. The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an impact that requires airbag deployment. The timing of the second stage determines whether the output force is low, medium, or high. If a low output is sufficient to meet the need, the second stage is expended later in the crash event. Driver Airbag Special Features Driver airbag deployment and force level is controlled by the driver's seat position as well as impact severity. Use of special inflators, result in a very compact driver's side airbag. In addition to the small size, the inflating gasses exit through strategically placed vents, which direct the gas away from the occupant. 2