Mercedes-Benz E-class, Operator'S Manual

Page: 40 / 446

Protection by the airbags
Depending on the accident situation, an airbag
can add to the protection offered by a correctly
fastened seat belt.
&
WARNING Risk of injury or death due to
incorrect seat position
If you deviate from the correct seat position,
the airbag 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:
R
Are seated properly and keep as far away
as possible from the airbags.
R
Observe the following information.
#
Always make sure that there are no
objects between the airbag and the
vehicle occupant.
To avoid risks resulting from the deployment of
the airbag:
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 81).
R
Only hold the steering wheel by the steering
wheel rim. This allows the airbag to be fully
deployed.
R
Always lean against the seat backrest when
the vehicle is in motion. Do not lean forwards
or lean against the door or side window. You
may otherwise be in the deployment area of
the airbags.
R
Always keep your feet on the floor. Do not
put your feet on the cockpit, for example.
Your feet may otherwise be in the deploy‐
ment area of the airbag.
R
If children are traveling in the vehicle,
observe the additional notes (
→
page 45).
R
Always stow and secure objects correctly.
Objects in the vehicle interior may prevent an
airbag from functioning correctly. Therefore
always ensure that:
R
There are no people, animals or objects
between the vehicle occupants and an air‐
bag.
R
There are no objects between the seat, door
and door pillar (B-pillar).
R
No hard objects, e.g. coat hangers, are hang‐
ing on the grab handles or coat hooks.
R
No accessories, such as cup holders, are
attached to the vehicle within the deploy‐
ment area of an airbag, e.g. to doors, side
windows or side paneling.
R
No heavy, sharp-edged or fragile objects are
in the pockets of your clothing. Store such
objects in a suitable place.
38 Occupant safety