2002 Subaru Impreza Owner's Manual - Page 92

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags n When will the SRS side airbag not deploy? The SRS side airbag is basically not designed to deploy if the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision or is struck from behind. Examples of such accidents are illustrated. In an accident where the vehicle is struck from the side more than once, the SRS side airbag deploys only once. Example: In the case of a double side impact collision, first with one vehicle and immediately followed by another from the same direction, the SRS side airbag is activated on the first impact but not on the second. HG1022BB 1) The vehicle is involved in a frontal collision with another vehicle (moving or stationary). 2) The vehicle is struck from behind. HG1028BB 1) First impact 2) Second impact 1-58