GM has been instrumental in the development and implementation of air bags(1) and other restraint systems — including the development of the Hybrid III family of crash test dummies, which remain the industry standard in frontal crash testing.
Chevy vehicles feature various air bag systems — front air bags (standard), dual-stage frontal air bags, side-impact air bags and head-curtain side-impact air bags, as well as the Passenger Sensing System. In addition, some Chevy vehicles feature rollover capable head curtain air bags, which not only deploy in moderate to severe side-impacts but can also deploy if the vehicle senses an impending rollover event. See availability below.
GM recently opened a state-of-the-art rollover crash test facility, becoming the first North American automaker to integrate in-house testing for the infrequent but potentially deadly rollover crashes. The goal for the facility is to study ways to potentially reduce injuries and deaths in rollover crashes by developing sensors for air bags that can help protect occupants in a rollover and help to keep occupants from being ejected.
Dual-Stage Frontal Air Bags(1)
These bags sense the severity of a crash, then determine if the air bags should be deployed and whether a full or less-than-full amount of inflation is to be used.
Available in select models for:
- SUVs
- Equinox
- HHR
- Suburban
- Tahoe
- TrailBlazer
Side-Impact Air Bags(1)
Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bags help reduce the risk of certain injuries to outboard front and rear-seat occupants in certain side-impact collisions.
Head-Curtain Side Air Bags(2)
Mounted to the roof rails, these air bags are designed to reduce the risk of head injuries to outboard front- and rear-seat occupants in certain side-impact collisions.
Some vehicles with head-curtain air bags include a rollover sensor that’s tuned to stay inflated in the event of a rollover to help reduce the risk of ejection. The sensor enables the air bats to stay inflated after a crash for about five seconds versus the 300 milliseconds of protection provided by head-curtain side air bags that deploy in a side-impact collision.
Passenger Sensing System(1)
The Passenger Sensing System automatically switches the right-front passenger air bag(1) on or off based on the passenger’s weight and the type of pressure on the seat. A lighted indicator is located on the rearview mirror or instrument panel, depending on the vehicle. But remember, even with this innovative feature, you should always wear your safety belts and be sure children are properly restrained in a rear seat in the appropriate infant, child or booster seat.
