What is the minimum clearance required around side-impact airbags?

What is the minimum clearance required around side-impact airbags?

• A. 1 inch clearance.
• B. 5 inches clearance.
• C. 12 inches clearance.
• D. 24 inches clearance.

Answer: (B)

Side-impact airbags need a safety buffer to deploy properly and not strike nearby surfaces or rescuers. The minimum clearance around these airbags is five inches. This space allows the airbag to inflate outward fully without hitting trim, seat belts, or other objects, and helps keep hands and tools out of the deployment path. If clearance were only an inch, there's a higher risk of obstruction or injury from the deploying bag; conversely, much larger gaps aren’t necessary and can complicate extrication operations. In practice, maintain at least five inches of free space around airbag modules during assessment and working around the vehicle.

Side-impact airbags need a safety buffer to deploy properly and not strike nearby surfaces or rescuers. The minimum clearance around these airbags is five inches. This space allows the airbag to inflate outward fully without hitting trim, seat belts, or other objects, and helps keep hands and tools out of the deployment path. If clearance were only an inch, there's a higher risk of obstruction or injury from the deploying bag; conversely, much larger gaps aren’t necessary and can complicate extrication operations. In practice, maintain at least five inches of free space around airbag modules during assessment and working around the vehicle.