2004 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 27

Additional Information About Your Airbags Dual-Stage Airbags Dual-Threshold Airbags Your front airbags are dual-stage airbags. This means they have two inflation stages that can be ignited sequentially or simultaneously, depending on crash severity. In a more severe crash, both stages will ignite simultaneously to provide the quickest and greatest protection. In a less severe crash, one stage will ignite first, then the second stage will ignite a split second later. This provides longer airbag inflation time with a little less force. Your front airbags are also dualthreshold airbags. Airbags with this feature have two deployment thresholds that depend on whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt. If the occupant's belt is not latched, the airbag will deploy at the same threshold, because the occupant would need extra protection. If the occupant's belt is latched, the airbag will inflate at a slightly higher threshold, when the airbag would be needed to supplement the protection provided by the seat belt. 24 Driver and Passenger Safety