Sitting correctly and safely
cupants. The list is not complete, but will help to
make you aware of possible dangers which can be
avoided. Therefore, whenever the vehicle is mov-
ing:
Sitting correctly and
safely
Ensuring the correct
seating position
– Never stand up in the vehicle.
– Never stand on the seats.
Safety information on seating positions
– Never kneel on the seats.
As the driver, you are responsible for ensuring
that all vehicle occupants are sitting in the cor-
rect position and that they stay in this position
for the entire journey. Ensure that:
– Never travel with the backrest reclined too far.
– Never lean against the dash panel.
– Never lie down on the rear seat.
– Never sit on the front edge of a seat.
– Never sit sideways.
– Every vehicle occupant has adjusted their seat
correctly ðpage 63.
– Never lean out of the window.
– Never put your feet out of the window.
– Never put your feet on the dash panel.
– Never put your feet on the seat cushion.
– Never ride in the footwell.
– The steering wheel is set correctly ðpage 66.
– The mirrors have been adjusted so that you
have a good view of the surrounding area
ðpage 58.
– Never sit on the armrests.
– Every vehicle occupant has adjusted their head
restraint correctly ðpage 67.
– Never travel on a seat without wearing the seat
belt.
– Every vehicle occupant has fastened their seat
belt correctly ðpage 68.
– Never climb into the luggage compartment.
– Applies to vehicles with deactivation switch for
front passenger’s airbag: The front passenger’s
airbag is activated or deactivated as appropri-
ate for the person occupying the front passeng-
er’s seat ðpage 75.
WARNING
Sitting out of position, not wearing a seat belt
or being too close to the airbag exposes the
occupants to potentially fatal injuries if, for
instance, the airbags inflate and strike an oc-
cupant who is not seated in one of the proper
positions. Please note the important informa-
tion and safety precautions in the correspond-
ing chapters on the subjects above.
– Any children are correctly secured in a suitable
child restraint system on an appropriate seat
ðpage 76. Please read the important safety
information about the use of child restraint sys-
tems on the front passenger’s seat ð in
Safety information on child restraint systems
on page 76.
Front seats
If physical factors prevent you from being able to
assume a correct seating position, please contact
a qualified automotive specialist.
Safety information on the front seats
Ensure that:
Examples of incorrect seating positions
– You can press the pedals down completely with
your legs still slightly bent.
Seat belts can only provide maximum protection
if the belt webbing is positioned correctly. Sitting
out of position greatly reduces the effectiveness
of the seat belts and increases the risk of injury
since the belt webbing is not worn in the position
for which it is designed.
– Your torso is at least 25 cm away from the
steering wheel/dashboard.
– Your knees are at least 10 cm away from the
dashboard.
– Your thighs are resting lightly on the front of
the seat cushion.
The list below contains examples of incorrect po-
sitions which can be dangerous to all vehicle oc-
– The backrest is in an upright position and
makes full contact with your back.
63