Seat Belts - Audi TTS Coupe 2015 Owner's Manual

Seat belts

Seat belts
Why is it so important to
use seat belts?
Seat belts provide effective protection
The common belief that passengers can brace
their weight with their hands in a minor collision
is false.
Fig. 187 Driver with properly positioned seat belt - good
protection if the brakes are applied suddenly
It is an established fact that seat belts provide
good protection in accidents. Therefore wearing
a seat belt is required by law in most countries.
Properly worn seat belts hold the occupants in
the best position for maximum protection
q Fig. 187. The seat belts are capable of absorb­
ing much of the kinetic energy arising in a colli­
sion. Also they help to prevent uncontrolled
movements which could lead to severe injuries
q page 220, Important safety notes when using
seat belts.
If they wear the seat belts correctly, the passen­
gers benefit greatly from the ability of the belts
to reduce the kinetic energy gradually. The front
crumple zones and other passive safety features
(such as the airbag system) are also designed to
absorb the kinetic energy generated in a colli­
sion. Taken together, all these features reduce
the forces acting on the occupants and conse­
quently the risk of injury.
Although these examples are based on a frontal
collision, the physical principles involved are the
same in other types of accidents. This is why it is
so important to put on the seat belts before ev­
ery trip - even when "just driving around the cor-
220
ner". Ensure that your passengers wear their seat
belts as well q A.
Properly worn seat belts have been shown to be
an effective means of reducing the potential for
injury and improving the chances of survival in a
serious accident q page 221, Forces acting in a
collision.
For information on how children can travel safely
in the car refer to qpage 211, Child seats.
A
WARNING
- Seat belts must be put on before every trip -
even when driving in town. This also applies
to the rear passengers - risk of injury!
- During pregnancy, women should always
ensure they wear a seat belt. The best way
to protect the unborn child is to protect the
mother q page 223, Wearing and adjust­
ing the seat belts during pregnancy.
Important safety notes when using seat
belts
There are a number of safety points concerning
the seat belts which you should remember. This
will help to reduce the risk of injury in an acci­
dent.
A
WARNING
- The seat belts can only provide maximum
protection if the seats are adjusted properly
q page 51, Seats and storage.
- To ensure proper protection, it is important
to wear the seat belts in the correct position
q page 222, How to wear seat belts prop­
erly. Ensure that the seat belts are worn ex­
actly as recommended in this chapter. Belts
which are not worn properly can increase
the risk of injury in accidents considerably.
- Do not allow the seat belt to become twis­
ted or jammed, or to rub on any sharp
edges.
- Never allow two passengers (even children)
to share the same seat belt. It is especially
dangerous to place a seat belt over a child
sitting on your lap.
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