Is there a danger with side curtain airbags and kids sleeping or leaning too close to the window?
Jack_LTD
I believe they're supposed to sense if an obstruction is in the way and NOT deploy if in fact something/someone is there. I'm not 100% sure, though. Anyone know for sure?
Went for a test drive yesterday and was told the lower front side airbags have a sensor but not the side curtain ones?
And that if someone was sleeping against the window it would be like getting hit by a balloon.
That just sounded very wrong. I assume the force needed to quickly fill those bags along the side would be high.
And that if someone was sleeping against the window it would be like getting hit by a balloon.
That just sounded very wrong. I assume the force needed to quickly fill those bags along the side would be high.
Anyone that far out of position in the seatbelt to be sleeping against the door or window would be in serious danger, whether the airbag deployed or not. But, that point aside, I believe that is something they used to be concerned about, but real world crash statistics over the years did not support the concern. I believe nhtsa has a section about side airbags on their site, check there for more info!
Tammy
Tammy
"Side-impact air bags are much smaller and emerge with less force. There are no studies published thus far that indicate a child properly restrained in a CR is at risk from current side-impact air bags, but laboratory simulations indicate that unrestrained and out-of-position children could be injured, including those leaning against the door while sleeping. NHTSA recommends that children not be placed next to active side air bags unless the vehicle manufacturer states that it is safe. For best protection, the child should be restrained in an age- and size-appropriate CR or booster in the center rear position. If there are side-impact air bags in the rear seat and the child must be in an outboard seat, do not leave any objects, such as toys or even pillows, between the child or CR and the door. In addition, if the child is in a booster, remind her not to lean out of the booster and to keep head, arms, and legs away from the door."
http://www.carseat.org/
http://www.carseat.org/
Side airbags are different from what I'd believed the Odyssey has in the 2nd and 3rd row, which is side curtain airbags. Side curtain airbags are not really designed to lessen side impacts, but to keep passengers from being ejected in roll-overs and such.
The inflation pressure is probably a lot less for curtain than for side airbags.
The inflation pressure is probably a lot less for curtain than for side airbags.
From Honda....
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
The side curtain airbag module is positioned along the side of the headliner. In the event of a sufficient side impact or rollover, this system will activate to help provide protection for all occupants. A new type of inflator provides an exceptionally quick inflation time
Not just for roll overs....
Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensor
The side curtain airbag module is positioned along the side of the headliner. In the event of a sufficient side impact or rollover, this system will activate to help provide protection for all occupants. A new type of inflator provides an exceptionally quick inflation time
Not just for roll overs....
If you look at the photo that accompanies that text, you'll notice the curtain airbags only cover the windows. If it was designed for impacts, the airbags would cover the panels below shoulder-height as well.
And if they were designed for impacts, they would have to adjust for height and weight of the occupants (so that kids aren't killed by them).
And if they were designed for impacts, they would have to adjust for height and weight of the occupants (so that kids aren't killed by them).
G
Umm, if they weren't designed for impacts what were they designed for? Pillows to sleep on?
They are for impacts, severe ones that would cause harm. Is this not so obvious?
They are for impacts, severe ones that would cause harm. Is this not so obvious?
I apologize--head protection is mentioned, though the main purpose seems to be rollover protection:
From http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2062?mid=2004083172678&mime=asc
Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensors
For 2005, all three rows of occupants are protected by Honda's new Three-Row Side Curtain Airbag with Rollover Sensor System, which is standard equipment on all Odyssey models - a first for the minivan segment. The side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll rate sensor, located underneath the front passenger seat, along with multiple G sensors determine the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly.
Like the other airbag systems in the Odyssey, the side curtain system utilizes sensors located in the front of the vehicle to determine the most appropriate timing and rate of deployment of the airbags in the event of a rollover.
To provide the optimal level of protection for Odyssey occupants, extensive testing was performed to determine the most appropriate timing and rate of deployment in the unlikely event of a rollover.
The system uses algorithms to continually evaluate the situation and determines whether a rollover is eminent. The system responds to many types of rollover "events" drivers could potentially encounter including the "curb trip rollover" which as its name suggests, results when one side of the vehicle hits a curb or like object; the "soil trip rollover" which can result when one side of the vehicles suddenly comes into contact with a different surface type, often involving a slight elevation change; and the "screw rollover." This type of rollover is usually the steepest and fastest of the rollovers whereby the vehicle comes upon a sharp angle such as an embankment. The roll rate sensor and multiple G sensors determine the "scenario" and calculate the angle of roll and the speed of the vehicle in order to deploy the airbags at the correct stage for optimum protection. In the case of a rollover, the side curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle will deploy. However, in the event of a sufficient side impact that does not result in a rollover, only the airbags on the impacted side of the vehicle will deploy. The airbag maintains full inflation for approximately three seconds after inflation to allow for the increased time duration of a rollover accident.
From http://www.hondanews.com/CatID2062?mid=2004083172678&mime=asc
Three-Row Side Curtain Airbags with Rollover Sensors
For 2005, all three rows of occupants are protected by Honda's new Three-Row Side Curtain Airbag with Rollover Sensor System, which is standard equipment on all Odyssey models - a first for the minivan segment. The side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof in the event of a sufficient side impact, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll rate sensor, located underneath the front passenger seat, along with multiple G sensors determine the rate of roll and deploy the side curtain airbags accordingly.
Like the other airbag systems in the Odyssey, the side curtain system utilizes sensors located in the front of the vehicle to determine the most appropriate timing and rate of deployment of the airbags in the event of a rollover.
To provide the optimal level of protection for Odyssey occupants, extensive testing was performed to determine the most appropriate timing and rate of deployment in the unlikely event of a rollover.
The system uses algorithms to continually evaluate the situation and determines whether a rollover is eminent. The system responds to many types of rollover "events" drivers could potentially encounter including the "curb trip rollover" which as its name suggests, results when one side of the vehicle hits a curb or like object; the "soil trip rollover" which can result when one side of the vehicles suddenly comes into contact with a different surface type, often involving a slight elevation change; and the "screw rollover." This type of rollover is usually the steepest and fastest of the rollovers whereby the vehicle comes upon a sharp angle such as an embankment. The roll rate sensor and multiple G sensors determine the "scenario" and calculate the angle of roll and the speed of the vehicle in order to deploy the airbags at the correct stage for optimum protection. In the case of a rollover, the side curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle will deploy. However, in the event of a sufficient side impact that does not result in a rollover, only the airbags on the impacted side of the vehicle will deploy. The airbag maintains full inflation for approximately three seconds after inflation to allow for the increased time duration of a rollover accident.
Thanks for the info all, I would like to see something in writing from Honda, on children and side airbags.
I dont have a 05 to try, but in general asking a child not to fall asleep or lean in a certain position is not going to help address the risk at all.
If it is possible for a child to lean or sleep in a area that would be dangerous with a side curtain release then Honda needs a sensor to prevent the release.
Guess having toys or stored items in the window area could be risky as well.
Like the early front airbags, the early side curtain airbags could do more harm than good.
I hope Honda addresses this issue as dealers are in the dark about it as well and no one wants their child to be the reason a sensor is added to next years model...
I dont have a 05 to try, but in general asking a child not to fall asleep or lean in a certain position is not going to help address the risk at all.
If it is possible for a child to lean or sleep in a area that would be dangerous with a side curtain release then Honda needs a sensor to prevent the release.
Guess having toys or stored items in the window area could be risky as well.
Like the early front airbags, the early side curtain airbags could do more harm than good.
I hope Honda addresses this issue as dealers are in the dark about it as well and no one wants their child to be the reason a sensor is added to next years model...
My Oddy is probably pissed on me for not using it for a year and decided to punish me (I guess) 🤡
Initially, it turned the dashboard into the Xmas tree 🎄lighting all possible lights. I could clear all codes using my scanner, but for some reason, the "SIDE AIRBAG OFF" light stays solid. No fault codes were found on any vehicle's systems.
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When performing one of the tests, the scanner spits out info about "child seat" or something like that.
My question is, HOW to clear that damn light from my dash? Is there any switch? My other vehicle has functionality that enables turning off the front passenger airbag if the child seat is installed.
Am I missing something here?
Initially, it turned the dashboard into the Xmas tree 🎄lighting all possible lights. I could clear all codes using my scanner, but for some reason, the "SIDE AIRBAG OFF" light stays solid. No fault codes were found on any vehicle's systems.
When performing one of the tests, the scanner spits out info about "child seat" or something like that.
My question is, HOW to clear that damn light from my dash? Is there any switch? My other vehicle has functionality that enables turning off the front passenger airbag if the child seat is installed.
Am I missing something here?
Jack, the danger from a 6000 lb pickup truck hitting you in the side, is much, much worse than the danger from the airbags. Most of life is understanding and playing the odds to your advantage.
Why not keep a couple of pillows in the back seat, and ask the kids to use them to rest their heads on them, which should mitigate most of the danger from an airbag.
Why not keep a couple of pillows in the back seat, and ask the kids to use them to rest their heads on them, which should mitigate most of the danger from an airbag.
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