When They Say 'Door' Airbag, They Mean It

[rmoore]

This system has been around for a few years but it is worth mentioning. When rescuers discuss airbag locations and we mention door airbags, we might not be aware that there are two different types of door airbag installations.

What we most commonly think of is a blowout panel along the inside trim of the door. This is the most popular door airbag design. The other design however is important to be aware of for several reasons.

Volvo and Mercedes are two automakers who have convertibles with door-mounted airbags. Because there might not always be a roof over the occupants as a crash occurs, the door airbags are positioned along the top edge of the door and deploy straight up; not sideways into the vehicle like we are used to. These special door airbag designs resemble a slice of bread coming out of a toaster. They pop up vertically.

What is even more important to realize is that the stored gas inflator inside the door is at a location that we might not expect. Review the screen shot provided below courtesy of Crash Recovery System. Note the airbag position and the location of the inflator unit which is along the top edge of the door itself.

Be aware!

[AdvancedTechRescue]

Great input on airbags. Going to sharing on FB.