Mercedes-Benz G-Class Operator's Manual page 43

Since the air bag inflates with considerable
speed and force, a proper seating position
and correct positioning of the hands on the
steering wheel will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the air bag. Occupants who are
not wearing their seat belt, are not seated
properly or are too close to the air bag can be
seriously injured or killed by an air bag as it
inflates with great force instantaneously:
Sit with the seat belt properly fastened in a
R
position that is as upright as possible with
your back against the seat backrest.
Move the driver's seat as far back as
R
possible, still permitting proper operation
of vehicle controls. The distance from the
center of the driver's chest to the center of
the air bag cover on the steering wheel
must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
You should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the seat and steering wheel. If
you have any difficulties, please contact an
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center.
Do not lean your head or chest close to the
R
steering wheel or dashboard.
Keep hands on the outside of the steering
R
wheel rim. Placing hands and arms inside
the rim can increase the risk and potential
severity of hand/arm injury when the driver
front air bag inflates.
Adjust the front passenger seat as far as
R
possible rearward from the dashboard
when the seat is occupied.
Occupants, especially children, should
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never place their bodies or lean their heads
in the area of the door where the window
curtain air bag inflates. This could result in
serious injuries or death should the window
curtain air bag be deployed. Always sit as
upright as possible, wear the seat belt
properly and use an appropriately sized
infant restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the size and
weight of the child.
Children 12 years old and under must never
R
ride in the front seat, except in a Mercedes-
Benz authorized BabySmart™ compatible
Occupant safety
child seat, which operates with the
BabySmart™ air bag deactivation system
installed in the vehicle to deactivate the
front passenger front air bag when it is
installed properly. Otherwise they will be
struck by the air bag when it inflates in a
crash. If this happens, serious or fatal injury
will result.
Failure to follow these instructions can result
in severe injuries to you or other occupants.
If you sell your vehicle, it is important that you
make the buyer aware of this safety
information. Be sure to give the buyer this
Operator's Manual.
G WARNING
Accident research shows that the safest place
for children in an automobile is in a rear seat.
Should you choose to place a child 12 years
old or under in the front passenger seat of
your vehicle, you must properly use a
TM
BabySmart child restraint which will turn off
the front passenger front air bag.
To help avoid the possibility of injury, please
follow these guidelines:
(1) Always sit as upright as possible,
wear the seat belt properly, and for
children 12 years old and under,
use an appropriately sized infant
restraint, toddler restraint, or
booster seat recommended for the
size and weight of the child.
(2) Always wear seat belts properly.
G
WARNING
The service life of the air bag is limited to 15
years. After a maximum of 15 years, have the
air bag replaced at a qualified specialist
workshop that has the necessary specialist
knowledge and tools to carry out the work
required. Mercedes-Benz recommends that
you use an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center
for this purpose.
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