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Occupant safety
The activation thresholds for the components of
the restraint system are determined based on the
evaluation of the sensor values measured at vari‐
ous points in the vehicle. This process is pre-
emptive in nature. The triggering/deployment of
the components of the restraint system should
take place in good time at the start of the colli‐
sion.
Factors which can only be seen and measured
after a collision has occurred cannot play a deci‐
sive role in airbag deployment. Nor do they pro‐
vide an indication of airbag deployment.
The vehicle may be deformed significantly with‐
out an airbag being deployed. This is the case if
only parts which are relatively easily deformed
are affected and the rate of vehicle deceleration
is not high. Conversely, an airbag may be
deployed even though the vehicle suffers only
minor deformation. If very rigid vehicle parts such
as longitudinal members are hit, for example, the
vehicle deceleration may be high enough for this
to happen.
Depending on the detected deployment situation,
the components of the restraint system can be
activated or deployed independently of each
other:
Seat belt tensioner: frontal impact, rear
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impact, side impact
Driver's airbag, co-driver airbag: frontal
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impact
Side airbag: side impact
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Window airbag: side impact, frontal impact
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The co-driver airbag can only be deployed in the
event of an accident if the PASSENGER AIR BAG
OFF indicator lamp is off. If the co-driver seat is
occupied, make sure, both before and during the
journey, that the status of the co-driver airbag is
correct (
page 34).
/
& WARNING Risk of burns from hot airbag
components
The airbag parts are hot after an airbag has
been deployed.
Do not touch the airbag parts.
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Have a deployed airbag replaced at a
#
qualified specialist workshop as soon as
possible.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you have the
vehicle towed to a qualified specialist workshop
after an accident. Take this into account, particu‐
larly if a seat belt tensioner is triggered or an air‐
bag deployed.
If the seat belt tensioners are triggered or an air‐
bag is deployed, you will hear a bang, and a small
amount of powder may also be released:
The bang will not generally affect your hear‐
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ing.
In general, the powder released is not hazard‐
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ous to health but may cause short-term
breathing difficulties to persons suffering
from asthma or other pulmonary conditions.
Provided it is safe to do so, leave the vehicle
immediately or open the window in order to
prevent breathing difficulties.
Seat belts
Protection provided by the seat belt
Always fasten your seat belt correctly before
starting a journey. Only a seat belt which is worn
correctly can provide the intended level of protec‐
tion.
& WARNING Risk of injury or death due to
incorrectly fastened seat belt
If the seat belt is not worn correctly, it cannot
perform its intended protective function.
In addition, an incorrectly fastened seat belt
can also cause injuries, for example, in the
event of an accident or when braking or
changing direction suddenly.
Always ensure that all vehicle occupants
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have their seat belts fastened correctly
and are sitting properly.
Always observe the instructions about the correct
driver's seat position and adjusting the seat
(
page 70).
/
In order for the correctly worn seat belt to pro‐
vide the intended level of protection, each vehicle
occupant must observe the following information:
The seat belt must not be twisted and must fit
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tightly and snugly across the body.
The seat belt must be routed across the
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centre of the shoulder and as low down
across the hips as possible.
The shoulder section of the seat belt should
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not touch your neck nor be routed under your
arm or behind your back.
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