1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 27

CAUTION: (Continued) Air bags are designed to work only in moderate to severe crashes where the front your vehicle hits of something. They aren't designed to inflate all in at rollover, rear, sideor low-speed frontal crashes. Everyone in your vehicle, including thedriver, should wear a safety belt properly whether or not there's an airbag for that person. AIR BAG There is an air bag readiness light on the instrument panel, which shows AIR BAG. -- The system checks the air bag's electrical system for malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical problem. See "Air Bag Readiness Light" in the Index for more information. Air bags inflate with great force, faster than the blink of an eye. If you're too close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Safety belts help keep you in position for an air bag inflation even in a crash. Always wear your safety belt, with an air bag, and sit far back as as you can while still maintaining controlof your vehicle. 1-19