Seat belts
Introduction
A correctly fastened seat belt is the most effec-
tive means of restraining the movement of vehi-
cle occupants in the event of an accident or
overturn. This reduces the risk of vehicle occu-
pants coming into contact with parts of the vehi-
cle interior or being thrown from the vehicle. The
seat belt also helps to keep the vehicle occu-
pants in the best position in relation to the air-
bag deployed.
The seat belt system consists of:
R
Seat belts
R
Belt tensioners and belt force limiters
If the seat belt is pulled quickly or suddenly from
the belt sash guide, the inertia reel locks. The
belt strap cannot be pulled out further.
The belt tensioner tightens the seat belt to lie
close against your body in the event of a colli-
sion. However, it does not pull the vehicle occu-
pants back towards the seat backrest.
The belt tensioner also does not correct an
incorrect seat position or the strap layout of a
seat belt that is worn incorrectly.
If the seat belt is also fitted with a belt force
limiter and this is triggered, the force exerted by
the seat belt on the vehicle occupant is reduced.
The belt force limiters on the front seats are
synchronised with the front airbags, which take
on a part of the deceleration force. This makes it
possible to reduce the forces to which vehicle
occupants are subjected during an accident.
!
If the co-driver's seat is not occupied, do not
engage the seat belt tongue in the buckle on
the co-driver's seat. Otherwise, the belt ten-
sioner could be triggered in the event of an
accident and would have to be replaced.
Important safety notes
G
WARNING
The seat belt cannot perform its intended pro-
tective function if it is not fastened correctly.
Also, an improperly fastened seat belt can
cause additional injuries in the event of an
accident, sudden braking or abrupt changes
of direction. There is an increased risk of
injury, possibly even fatal.
Always make sure that all vehicle occupants
are wearing their seat belt properly and are
seated correctly.
G
WARNING
The seat belt does not offer the intended level
of protection if you have not moved the back-
rest to an almost vertical position. When brak-
ing or in the event of an accident, you could
slide underneath the seat belt and sustain
abdomen or neck injuries, for example. This
poses an increased risk of injury or even fatal
injury.
Adjust the seat properly before beginning
your journey. Always ensure that the backrest
is in an almost vertical position and that the
shoulder section of your seatbelt is routed
across the centre of your shoulder.
G
WARNING
Persons under 1.50 m tall cannot wear the
seat belts correctly without a suitable, addi-
tional restraint system. The seat belt cannot
perform its intended protective function if it is
not fastened correctly. Also, an improperly
fastened seat belt can cause additional inju-
ries in the event of an accident, sudden brak-
ing or abrupt changes of direction. There is an
increased risk of injury, possibly even fatal.
Secure persons less than 1.50 m tall in a suit-
able restraint system.
If a child younger than twelve years old and
under 1.50 m in height is travelling in the vehi-
cle:
R
always secure the child in a child restraint
system suitable for this Mercedes-Benz vehi-
cle. The child restraint system must be appro-
priate to the age, weight and size of the child.
R
always observe the instructions and safety
notes on the "Automatic front-passenger
front airbag deactivation system"
(
Y
page 47)
R
always observe the instructions and safety
notes on "Children in the vehicle"
(
Y
page 55) in addition to the child restraint
system manufacturer's installation and oper-
ating instructions.
Occupant safety
41
Saf
ety
Z