document_0900452a81b1b9de.book Seite 195 Donnerstag, 26. Juli 2007 9:16 09
Seat belts
195
Important safety instructions for using seat
belts
WARNING (continued)
buckle of any of the belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced
by a qualified workshop.
There are a number of safety points concerning the seat
belts which you should remember. This will help to reduce
the risk of injury in an accident.
• The seat belts must not be removed or modified in any way. Do
not attempt to repair a damaged belt yourself.
• Seat belts which have been worn in an accident and stretched
must be replaced by a qualified workshop. The belt anchorages
should also be checked.
WARNING
• The seat belts can only provide maximum protection if the
seats are adjusted properly ⇒ page 73, “Seats and storage”.
• To ensure proper protection, it is important to wear the seat
belts in the correct position ⇒ page 197, “How to wear seat belts
properly”. Ensure that the seat belts are worn exactly as recom-
mended in this chapter. Belts which are not worn properly can
increase the risk of injury in accidents considerably.
Forces acting in a collision
The physical principles involved in a frontal
impact
Very large forces are generated during a collision; these
forces have to be absorbed.
• Do not allow the seat belt to become twisted or jammed, or to
rub on any sharp edges.
• Never allow two passengers (even children) to share the same
seat belt. It is especially dangerous to place a seat belt over a child
sitting on your lap.
• Do not wear the belt over hard or fragile objects (such as
glasses or pens, etc.) because this can cause injuries.
• Loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket)
Fig. 204 Passengers of
a vehicle which is
headed for a brick wall.
They are not using seat
belts.
impairs the proper fit and function of the belts.
• The belts must be kept clean, otherwise the retractors may not
work properly ⇒ page 250, “Seat belts”.
• The slot in the seat belt buckle must not be blocked with paper
or other objects, as this can prevent the latch plate from engaging
properly.
• The latch plate of the belt must always be engaged in the
correct buckle for that seat, otherwise the belt will not be fully
effective.
• Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals. If you
notice that the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or
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