Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Owner's Manual page 40

fitting loudspeakers. Damage to the doors
can affect operation of the sidebags.
When deployed, the sidebags offer additional
protection for the thorax of the vehicle occu-
pants on the side of the vehicle on which the
impact occurs. However, they do not protect
the:
head
R
neck
R
arms
R
Sidebags : deploy next to the outer seat
cushions.
The sidebags are deployed:
on the side on which an impact occurs
R
at the start of an accident with a high rate
R
of lateral vehicle deceleration or accelera-
tion, e.g. in a side impact
independently of seat belt use
R
independently of the front airbags
R
on the front-passenger side if the seat
R
occupancy recognition detects that the
front-passenger seat is occupied
independently of the belt tensioners
R
Headbags
The headbags enhance the level of protection
for the head (but not chest or arms) of the
vehicle occupants on the side of the vehicle
on which the impact occurs.
Occupant safety
Headbags : deploy in the side window area.
They are deployed:
on the side on which an impact occurs
R
at the start of an accident with a high rate
R
of lateral vehicle deceleration or accelera-
tion, e.g. in a side impact
independently of seat belt use
R
regardless of whether the front-passenger
R
seat is occupied
if the vehicle overturns
R
independently of the front airbags
R
Seat belts
Important safety notes
Seat belts are the most effective means of
restraining the movement of vehicle occu-
pants in the event of an accident. This
reduces the risk of vehicle occupants coming
into contact with parts of the vehicle interior.
G
WARNING
A seat belt which is not worn correctly, or
which has not been engaged in the seat belt
buckle correctly, cannot perform its intended
protective function. Under certain circum-
stances, this could cause severe or even fatal
injuries in the event of an accident.
Make sure that all occupants – in particular,
pregnant women – wear their seat belt cor-
rectly at all times.
The seat belt must fit snugly on your body
R
and must not be twisted. Therefore, avoid
wearing bulky clothing, e.g. a winter coat.
37
Z