Which statement correctly lists the deployment distances for driver-side, passenger-side, and side airbags?

Which statement correctly lists the deployment distances for driver-side, passenger-side, and side airbags?

• A. Driver-side 15 inches; Passenger-side 25 inches; Side 5 inches
• B. Driver-side 5 inches; Passenger-side 15 inches; Side 10 inches
• C. Driver-side 10 inches; Passenger-side 10 inches; Side 10 inches
• D. Driver-side 10 inches; Passenger-side 20-25 inches; Side 5-15 inches

Answer: (D)

Airbag deployment distance refers to how far the occupant is from the airbag module when it deploys, so the bag can inflate across the chest safely without striking the face or neck or failing to provide proper protection. The driver-side airbag sits in the steering wheel, so a typical, effective distance is about 10 inches from the chest. The passenger-side bag sits in the dashboard farther forward, and to accommodate a wide range of passenger sizes the recommended distance is roughly 20 to 25 inches. Side airbags are closer to the torso on the door or seat, since they’re meant to cushion a lateral impact, and their effective exposure distance is about 5 to 15 inches. This combination explains why that set of distances best matches how airbags are designed to protect occupants in different crash directions. In rescue work, always be mindful of airbags that may still be charged or deploying and avoid placing hands or tools near the modules until they’re safely deactivated.

Airbag deployment distance refers to how far the occupant is from the airbag module when it deploys, so the bag can inflate across the chest safely without striking the face or neck or failing to provide proper protection. The driver-side airbag sits in the steering wheel, so a typical, effective distance is about 10 inches from the chest. The passenger-side bag sits in the dashboard farther forward, and to accommodate a wide range of passenger sizes the recommended distance is roughly 20 to 25 inches. Side airbags are closer to the torso on the door or seat, since they’re meant to cushion a lateral impact, and their effective exposure distance is about 5 to 15 inches. This combination explains why that set of distances best matches how airbags are designed to protect occupants in different crash directions. In rescue work, always be mindful of airbags that may still be charged or deploying and avoid placing hands or tools near the modules until they’re safely deactivated.