Seat belts
Using seat belts
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The physical principle of a frontal collision
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
Seat belt height adjuster on the front seats
Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer good protection in the event of an ac-
cident. They reduce the risk of an injury and increase the chance of survival in the
event of a major accident.
Correctly fastened seat belts hold occupants of the car in the correct seated posi-
tion
» Fig.
153.
The seat belts reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable ex-
tent. They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well result in
severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat
belt profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is as much as
possible absorbed by the belts.
The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety measures,
such as the airbag system, also contribute to reducing the kinetic energy in the
best possible way. The energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of
injury.
162
Safety
Fig. 153
Driver wearing seat belt
163
164
165
Particular safety aspects must be observed when transporting children in the ve-
hicle
» page
177.
WARNING
Fasten your seat belt before each journey – even when driving in town! This
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also applies to the people seated at the rear – risk of injury!
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
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ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child
unfastening seat belts.
The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you
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are correctly seated
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159, Proper seated position.
The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
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otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
WARNING
Observe the following instructions to ensure that the webbing of the seat
belts is properly routed.
Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat
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belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in
minor accidents.
Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the belt
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is roughly positioned across the middle of your shoulder – on no account
across your neck.
A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is
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moved forward by the kinetic energy produced in an accident and is then sud-
denly held firm by the belt.
The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. specta-
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cles, ball-point pens, keys, etc.). Such objects can cause injury.
WARNING
Observe the following instructions for handling the seat belts is properly.
The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twisted,
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or chafe against any sharp edges.
Make sure you do not catch the seat belt in the door when closing it.
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164, Fastening and