http://www.vw-manual.co.uk/browse?7&token=deniol2172xjKhhhjJ3Pby9gS&lang=en-GB&doc=5NA012720AB&link=3&preventShowIndivisualManualMessage=true[27/10/2016 22:58:22]

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

The physical principles involved in a frontal collision are relatively simple. As soon as the vehicle is in motion

and its passengers gain kinetic energy.

The higher the vehicle speed and the heavier the weight of the vehicle, the greater the amount of energy that will have to be released in the

event of an accident.

However, the most significant factor is the speed of the vehicle. If the speed doubles from approximately 25 km/h (15 mph) to approximately

50 km/h (31 mph), for example, the kinetic energy increases by a factor of four.

The amount of kinetic energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the vehicle and passengers. The higher the speed and the

heavier the weight, the greater the amount of energy that will be released in the event of an accident.

Passengers not wearing seat belts are not connected to the vehicle. In the event of a frontal collision they will continue to move forwards at the

same speed at which the vehicle was travelling before impact, until something stops them. Because the passengers in our example are not

restrained by seat belts, the entire amount of kinetic energy will be released only at the point of impact against the wall

Even at speeds of approximately 30 km/h (19 mph) to approximately 50 km/h (31 mph), the forces acting on bodies in a collision can easily

exceed one tonne (1,000 kg). These forces are even greater at higher speeds.

This example applies not only to frontal collisions, but to all accidents and collisions.

What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts

Fig. 6 An unbelted driver is thrown forwards.

Fig. 7 The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards, hitting the belted driver.

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings

Many people believe that they can brace their weight with their hands in a minor collision. This is not true.

Even at low speeds, the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great that occupants cannot brace themselves with their arms and hands.

In a frontal collision, vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts will be thrown forward and will make unchecked contact with parts

of the vehicle interior, e.g. the steering wheel, dash panel, or windscreen

The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When triggered, the airbags only provide additional protection. Airbags are not triggered

in all kinds of accidents. Even if the vehicle is equipped with an airbag system, all vehicle occupants, including the driver, must fasten their seat

belt and wear it correctly while the vehicle is in motion. This reduces the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of

whether an airbag is fitted for the seat.

→ Introduction

→ Fig. 4

→ Introduction

→ Fig. 6

, both the moving vehicle

→ Fig. 5

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