With certain types of frontal collisions, the vehicle’s body structure is designed to absorb the shock to help protect the occupants from harm. (The vehicle body’s front area may deform significantly as it absorbs the impact.) Under such circumstances, the front airbags and driver’s knee airbag may not deploy irrespective of the deformation and damage to the vehicle body.

Examples of some typical conditions are shown in the illustration.

1- Collision with a utility pole, tree or other narrow objects
2- Vehicle slides under the rear body of a truck
3- Oblique frontal impacts

Because the front airbags and driver’s knee airbag do not protect the occupant in all types of frontal collisions, be sure to always properly wear your seat belts.