The technology is different in different makes and models. below should not be taken as standard. Every auto maker safety features works differently. I collected some for reading.[I]
Only the bags in the direction of the deceleration force will deploy - a frontal collision may or may not deploy side air bags and a side collision does not deploy dash and steering wheel bags. Obviously, a left side collision will not deploy right side air bags. It all depends on the make and model of the car with the safety features.
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[I]Newer vehicles have relatively sophisticated airbag control systems that can pick and choose in a split second which airbags to inflate, how hard to inflate them (front bags can have a single of double charge go off at once depending on the weight in the seat and how close the seat is adjusted to the front of the vehicle), and whether to also detonate the seat-belt tensioners.
In most cars and situations, both FRONTAL airbags will deploy. However, in cars with additional airbags (side and curtain airbags) - these airbags will not necessarily open with the frontal airbags, since they are supposed to deploy when the car is hit from the side, and only at the relevant side.
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If there is only a driver in a car.. the front passenger airbag will not deploy as it gets activated with weight on the seat.
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SABs (Side Air bags) inflate in a fraction of a second and are designed to help keep your head and/or chest from being hit by hard objects both inside and outside your vehicle in serious side-impact crashes. Sensors determine whether a crash is severe enough to inflate the SABs. Unlike frontal air bags, some of the side curtain air bags may stay inflated for several seconds during a crash for additional protection in the event of a rollover.
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[/I][U][I]In front impact crashes; SAB can get activated and mostly do so, if the the impact is very high/ or roll over is sensed. "A" pillar sends the signal..
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[/I]2011 corolla side impact crash test
2011 corolla front crash @ 35MPH