What is the Supplementary Restraint System of a Vehicle?

The supplementary restraint system (SRS) or airbag system warning light typically appears on the dashboard of a vehicle. It is a computerised passive system that is designed for automatically deploying airbags and tightening the seatbelts to protect occupants of the vehicle in case of accidents involving collisions. For a supplementary restraint system to activate, it is necessary that the seat belts be latched on the vehicle’s occupants every time. There are several workshops which offer automotive training courses in Ireland, including various informative courses about the working of the supplementary restraint system of vehicles.

The concept and design of the original supplementary restraint system was first idealised as well as formed in 1952. However, the commercial use of airbags in vehicles could be achieved after 1970. Since then, the supplementary restraint system has gone through several formative changes.

A supplementary restraint system, in general, constantly analyses the data received from motion sensor, accelerometers, speed sensors, steering sensors, sensors for vehicle angle, and seat belt sensors of the vehicle. When the vehicle collides with any object, the activation criteria of the supplementary restraint system is reached and then the system chooses which airbags to eject and also the seat belts that need to be tightened. The main purpose of the supplementary restraint system is to cushion the impact of collision and prevent injury to the vehicle’s occupants from concussion of the driver’s head against the dashboard, steering wheel or windscreen.

At the time the vehicle is started, the supplementary restraint system warning light is expected to illuminate for an estimated time period of 1 to 5 seconds. During this time, the system normally goes through a sequence of self-analysis. Once the light turns itself off, it can safely be assumed that the supplementary restraint system is running properly. However, if the warning light stays active even after the self-evaluation progression, then there is a undoubtedly a glitch in the system. At this stage, the supplementary restraint system is disabled and will not eject airbags or tighten seat belts in case of accidental collisions.

Since a faulty supplementary restraint system can put the safety of the drivers as well as the passengers in jeopardy, a vehicle in which the warning light stays on should immediately be taken to an auto repair shop so that the problem can be properly inspected and resolved. It is often recommended to check the potential recalls for the vehicle because some supplementary restraint system repairs might possibly be covered by extended warranties or recalls.