Safety




Airbags
With your safety in mind, the IS interior is filled with an array of airbags [1] to help protect you and your passengers during different types of collisions. There are driver's and front passenger's knee airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The driver's and front passenger's system utilizes dual-stage airbags that are designed to inflate at two different speeds depending on the severity of impact. The driver's airbag system takes into account the distance between the steering wheel and the front seat in determining the speed of deployment. The IS also comes equipped with a twin-chamber airbag for the front passenger. Unlike a single-chamber airbag, the SRS twin-chamber airbag deploys with a slight depression in its center. This is designed to help disperse the forces applied to the passenger immediately after deployment.

[1] All the airbag (AB) systems are Supplemental Restraint Systems. All ABs (if installed) are designed to inflate only under certain conditions and in certain types of severe collisions: frontal and knee ABs typically inflate in frontal collisions; side and side curtain ABs in side collisions; Roll-Sensing Curtain ABs at a severe tilt degree, roll or lateral G-force. In all other accidents, the ABs will not inflate. To decrease the risk of injury from an inflating AB, always wear seatbelts, sit upright in the middle of the seat as far back as possible and do not lean against the door. Do not put objects in front of an AB or around the seatback. Do not use a rearward-facing child seat in any front passenger seat. The force of an inflating AB may cause serious injury or death. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further information/warnings.

Vehicle Stability Features
All IS models include Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) [1], which uses a sophisticated network of sensors designed to anticipate a skid before it occurs.  When VDIM detects a potential loss of traction, it seamlessly integrates steering, braking, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)[2] and Traction Control (TRAC) to help the driver maintain control.

[1] Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Vehicle Dynamics Management (VDIM) are electronic systems designed to help the driver maintain control under adverse conditions. They are not substitutes for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VSC and VDIM will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.
[2] Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an electronic system designed to help the driver maintain control under adverse conditions. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VSC will be effective in preventing a loss of control. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.

Direct Tire Pressure Monitor
The Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System [1] constantly checks the air pressure of all four tires. When the tire pressure drops to a critically low level, a light on the instrument panel alerts the driver.

[1] The Tire Pressure Monitor System alerts the driver when tire pressure is critically low. For optimal tire wear and performance, tire pressure should be checked regularly with a gauge; do not rely solely on the monitor system. Please see your Owner's Manual for details.

ABS With Brake Assist
The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) employs computerized control to help prevent the wheels from locking up or skidding during braking. For additional control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) monitors and manages the force between the front and rear brakes to help prevent the vehicle from diving. When the system detects an attempted emergency stop, Brake Assist [1] automatically boosts braking force when the driver does not apply enough pressure to the brake pedal.

[1] Brake Assist is designed to help the driver take full advantage of the benefits of ABS. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Braking effectiveness also depends on proper brake-system maintenance and tire and road conditions.

Reinforced Body
All IS models are built with side-impact door beams to help protect occupants during side collisions. In addition, the front and rear of the vehicle are engineered to crumple at a controlled rate to help absorb energy and manage the impact forces on the driver and passengers.

Theft-Deterrent System
The IS comes equipped with a state-of-the-art theft-deterrent system. This includes an engine immobilizer [1] that helps prevent the car from starting if it cannot recognize the code transmitted by your key. The system changes the code each time you arm and disarm the alarm.

[1] The engine immobilizer is a state-of-the-art anti-theft system.  When you insert your key into the ignition switch or bring a SmartAccess fob into the vehicle, the key transmits an electronic code to the vehicle.  The engine will only start if the code in the transponder chip inside the key or SmartAccess fob matches the code in the vehicle's immobilizer.  Becuase the transponder chip is embedded in the key or SmartAccess fob, it can be costly to replace.  If you lose a key or SmartAccess fob, your Lexus dealer can help.  Alternatively, you can find a qualified independent locksmith to perform high-security key services by consulting your Yellow Pages or by contacting www.aloa.org.

Smart Stop Technology
For additional peace of mind, this safety feature is designed to automatically reduce engine power when the driver is pressing down the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time under certain conditions.  When the brake pedal is released, the Smart Stop Technology [1] disengages.  The feature does not engage if the brake pedal is pressed before the accelerator.

[1] Smart Stop Technology operates only in the event of certain simultaneous brake and gas pedal applications.  When engaged, the system will reduce engine power to help the brakes bring the vehicle to a stop.  Factors including speed, road conditions and driver input can all impact stopping distance.  Smart Stop Technology is not a substitute for safe and attentive driving and does not guarantee instant stopping.  Please see your Owner's Manual for further details.


Specifications, features, equipment, technical data, performance figures, options, and color and trim are based upon information available at time of posting, are subject to change without notice, are for the State of Hawaii vehicles and may differ in the mainland U.S.A. vehicles and in other regions. For more information, call 808-54-LEXUS (808-545-3987).