2008 Dodge Challenger Owner Manual SRT8 - Page 55

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE 53 • The Supplemental Side Impact SRS Side Curtain Airbags are designed to activate only in certain side collisions. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the side curtain airbag to inflate, it signals the inflators on the crash side of the vehicle. A quantity of nontoxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain airbag. The inflating side curtain airbag 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 that 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 side curtain airbag inflates. This especially applies to children. The side curtain airbag is only about 3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is inflated. If a Deployment Occurs The airbag system is designed to deploy when the ORC detects a moderate-to-severe collision to help restrain the driver and front passenger and then to immediately deflate. NOTE: A frontal collision that is not severe enough to need airbag protection will not activate the system. This does not mean something is wrong with the airbag system. If you do have a collision that deploys the airbags, any or all of the following may occur: • The nylon airbag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the driver and front passenger as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you haven't healed significantly within a few days or if you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately. • As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the process that generates the nontoxic gas used for airbag 2