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

Examples of some typical conditions are shown in the illustration.

1- Side impacts in an area away from the passenger compartment
2- Motorcycle or other similar small vehicle collides with the side of vehicle
3- Collision with a utility pole, tree or other narrow object

4- Oblique side impacts
5- Vehicle rolls onto its side or roof

Because the side airbags and curtain airbags do not protect the occupant in all types of side collisions, be sure to always properly wear your seat belts.