1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

SIde Airbags and side curtains?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by spinjunkie53, Dec 31, 2005.

  1. spinjunkie53

    spinjunkie53 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2005
    50
    0
    0
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Can someone explain the difference between airbags and curtains? On the Prius, an option is to get front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. Not sure I understand the difference.
     
    #1 spinjunkie53, Dec 31, 2005
  2. Wynder

    Wynder New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2005
    254
    0
    0
    Location:
    Bear, Delaware
    Go here:

    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/testing/ncap...ges/SABFAQs.htm

    And go to the question:
    What are side-impact air bags (SABs) and where are they located?

    And you'll see seat mounted and curtain airbags... it's strictly where they're mounted at.
     
    #2 Wynder, Dec 31, 2005
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,192
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Side impact I think of as protecting the torso from the direct impact into the side of the car. Side curtain as a protection for the head, particularly in case of roll-over---skidding your head on the pavement isn't pretty. <_<
     
    #3 efusco, Dec 31, 2005
  4. narf

    narf Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2005
    611
    45
    4
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four Touring
    The curtains are mounted in the trim above the front windows and blow downward in a side collision, protecting the head and shoulders. The seat mounted airbags are in the side bolsters of the seat and protect the ribs and torso from a side impact. In most cars the control system only fires the airbags in the direction of impact.
     
    #4 narf, Dec 31, 2005
  5. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,192
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I thought the yaw sensors also allowed deployment in case of rollover... or maybe that's just the Highlander Hybrid I'm thinking of?
     
    #5 efusco, Dec 31, 2005
  6. habel

    habel New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 26, 2005
    230
    0
    0
    Location:
    Oslo, Norway
    The following picture shows the curtains covering the side windows, while the side airbag covers the side of the front seat:


    [​IMG]
     
    #6 habel, Dec 31, 2005
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)