Mercedes-Benz 2000 SL-Class - Manual (Page 68)

64 Restraint systems
Technical
data
Instruments
and controls
Operation Driving
Instrument
cluster display
Practical hints Car care Index
To reduce the risk of injury when the front airbags
inflate, it is very important for the driver and front
passenger to always be in a properly seated
position and to wear your seat belt.
For maximum protection in the event of a collision
always be in normal seated position with your back
against the backrest. Fasten your seat belt and
ensure that it is properly positioned on your body.
For unobstructive inflation of door side impact
airbags, keep door pocket lids closed.
Since the airbag inflates with considerable speed
and force, a proper seating and hands on steering
wheel position will help to keep you at a safe
distance from the airbag.
Occupants who are unbelted, out of position or too
close to the airbag can be seriously injured by an
airbag as it inflates with great force in the blink of
an eye:
• Sit properly belted in an upright position with
your back against the backrest.
• Adjust the driver seat as far as possible
rearward, still permitting proper operation of
vehicle controls. Adjust the driver seat as far
as possible rearward, still permitting proper
operation of vehicle controls. The distance
from the center of the driver’s breastbone to
the center of the airbag cover on the steering
wheel must be at least ten inches (25 cm) or
more. You should be able to accomplish this by
a combination of adjustments to the seat and
steering wheel. If you have any problems,
please see your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.
• Do not lean with your head or chest close to the
steering wheel or dashboard.
• Keep hands on the outside of steering wheel
rim. Placing hands and arms inside the rim
can increase the risk and potential severity of
hand/arm injury when the driver front airbag
inflates.
• Do not lean against doors.