During collisions where the impact is confined to a particular area of the side of the vehicle, the ORC may deploy the Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC), depending on the severity and type of collision.
In these events, the ORC will deploy the SABIC only on the impact side of the vehicle.
Aquantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the side curtain air bag. The inflating side curtain air bag pushes the outside edge of the headliner out of the way and covers the window. The air bag 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 air bag inflates. This especially applies to children. The side curtain air bag is about 3-1/2 in (9 cm) thick when it is inflated.
Because air bag sensors estimate deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage are not good indicators of whether or not an air bag should have deployed.
See also:
Air Bag Warning Light
The light should come on and remain on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check
when the ignition switch is first turned ON. If the light is not lit during starting,
see your authorized dealer. I ...
Steering
...
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact causing air bag deployment, if the communication network
remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending on the nature of the event,
the ORC will determine whethe ...