Jeep Cherokee 2009 Operating Information Manual page 33

WARNING!
• Do not put anything on or around the front and
side curtain airbag covers or attempt to manu-
ally open them. You may damage the airbags
and you could be injured because the airbags
are no longer functional. These protective
covers for the airbag cushions are designed to
open only when the airbags are inflating.
• Do not stack luggage or other cargo up high
enough to block the location of the side cur-
tain airbag. The area where the side curtain
airbag is located should remain free from any
obstructions.
• Do not have any accessory items installed
which will alter the roof, including adding a
sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks
that require permanent attachments (bolts or
screws) for installation on the vehicle roof. Do
not drill into the roof of the vehicle for any
reason.
• Do not cover or place items on the airbag
covers. These items may cause serious injury
during inflation.
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Along with the seat belts, the front airbags provide
improved protection for the driver and front pas-
senger. Side Curtain Airbags also work with seat
belts to improve occupant protection.
The seat belts are designed to protect you in
many types of collisions. The front airbags deploy
in moderate to severe collisions. The Side Curtain
Airbag will also trigger on the crash side of the
vehicle in moderate to severe side collisions or on
both sides of the vehicle in rollover collisions. In
certain types of collisions, both the front and side
airbags may be triggered. However, even in col-
lisions where the airbags deploy, you need the
seat belts to keep you in the right position for the
airbags to protect you properly.
Here are some simple steps you can take to
minimize the risk of harm from a deploying
airbag.
1. Children 12 years old and under should always
ride buckled up in the rear seat.
Infants in rear facing child restraints should
NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a
passenger front airbag. An airbag deployment
could cause severe injury or death to infants in
that position.
Children that are not big enough to wear the
vehicle seat belt properly should be secured in
the rear seat in child restraints or belt-positioning
booster seats. Older children who do not use child
restraints or belt-positioning booster seats should
ride properly buckled up in the rear seat. Never
allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind
them or under their arm.
You should read the instructions provided with
your child restraint to make sure that you are using
it properly.
2. All occupants should use their lap and shoul-
der belts properly.
3. The driver and front passenger seats should
be moved back as far as practical to allow the
front airbags room to inflate.
4. Do not lean against the door or window, air-
bags will inflate forcefully into the space between
you and the door.