Introduction - SMART FORTWO Owner's Manual

Occupant safety
40
Observe the information on the airbag
deactivation system of the front-passenger
Y
front airbag (
Seat belts

Introduction

A correctly worn seat belt is the most effec-
tive means of restraining the movement of
vehicle occupants in the event of a colli-
sion or if the vehicle overturns. This
reduces the risk of vehicle occupants com-
ing into contact with parts of the vehicle
interior or being ejected from it. The seat
belt also helps to keep the vehicle occu-
pants in the best position in relation to the
airbag being deployed.
The seat belt system consists of:
seat belts
R
belt tensioners and belt force limiters
R
If the seat belt is pulled quickly or sharply
by the seat belt guide, the inertia reel
locks. The belt strap cannot be pulled out
any further.
The belt tensioner tightens the seat belt in
the event of a collision so that it fits
tightly across your body. However, it does
not pull the vehicle occupants back in the
direction of the seat backrest.
The belt tensioner does not, however, cor-
rect an incorrect seat position or correct
the routing of a seat belt that is worn
incorrectly.
When triggered, seat belt force limiters
help to reduce the peak force exerted by the
seat belt on the vehicle occupant.
The belt force limiters are synchronised
with the front airbags, which take on a part
of the deceleration force. This can reduce
the forces to which the vehicle occupants
are subjected during an accident.
! If the co-driver's seat is not occupied,
do not engage the seat belt tongue in the
buckle on the co-driver's seat. Other-
page 50).
wise, the belt tensioner could be trig-
gered in the event of an accident and
would have to be replaced.
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The seat belt cannot perform its intended
protective function if it is not fastened
correctly. Also, an improperly fastened
seat belt can cause additional injuries in
the event of an accident, sudden braking or
abrupt changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even
fatal.
Always make sure that all vehicle occupants
are wearing their seat belt properly and
are seated correctly.
G
WARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended
level of protection if you have not moved
the backrest to an almost vertical position.
When braking or in the event of an accident,
you could slide underneath the seat belt and
sustain abdomen or neck injuries, for
example. This poses an increased risk of
injury or even fatal injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the back-
rest is in an almost vertical position and
that the shoulder section of your seatbelt is
routed across the centre of your shoulder.
G
WARNING
Persons under 1.50 m tall cannot wear the
seat belts correctly without a suitable,
additional restraint system. The seat belt
cannot perform its intended protective
function if it is not fastened correctly.
Also, an improperly fastened seat belt can
cause additional injuries in the event of an
accident, sudden braking or abrupt changes
of direction. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal.
Secure persons less than 1.50 m tall in a
suitable restraint system.