Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, Operator'S Manual

Page: 41 / 498

is occupied, make sure, both before and during
the journey, that the status of the front
passenger airbag is correct (
→
page 42).
* NOTE Important points to remember if
the front passenger seat is unoccupied
In an accident, the components of the
restraint system may deploy unnecessarily
on the front passenger side if:
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There are heavy objects on the front
passenger seat.
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The seat belt tongue is engaged in the
seat belt buckle of the front passenger
seat and the front passenger seat is
unoccupied.
#
Stow objects in a suitable place.
#
Only one person should use each seat
belt at any one time.
Protection potential of air bags
Depending on the accident situation, an air bag
may supplement the protection offered by a cor‐
rectly fastened seat belt.
&
WARNING Risk of injury or death due to
incorrect seat position
If you deviate from the correct seat position,
the air bag cannot perform its intended pro‐
tective function and deployment may even
cause further injuries.
To avoid hazardous situations, always make
sure that all vehicle occupants:
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Have their seat belt fastened correctly,
including pregnant women.
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Are seated properly and that distance to
the air bags is as large as possible.
R
Observe the following information.
#
Always make sure that there are no
objects between the air bag and the
vehicle occupant.
To avoid risks resulting from the deployment of
the air bag:
R
Before starting your journey, adjust your seat
correctly; the driver's seat and front
passenger seat should be moved as far back
as possible.
When doing so, always observe the informa‐
tion on the correct driver's seat position
(
→
page 83).
R
Only hold the steering wheel by the steering
wheel rim. This allows the air bag to be fully
deployed.
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Always lean against the seat backrest when
the vehicle is in motion. Do not lean forwards
or against the door or side window. You may
otherwise be in the deployment area of the
air bags.
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Always keep your feet on the floor. Do not
put your feet on the dashboard, for example.
Your feet may otherwise be in the deploy‐
ment area of the air bag.
R
If children are traveling in the vehicle,
observe the additional notes (
→
page 46).
R
Always stow and secure objects correctly.
Occupant safety 39