Important Safety Rules

This section of the manual, like the manual as a whole, contains a wealth of useful information on the safe operation of your vehicle. This page lists the safety recommendations that we consider most important.

Always Wear Your Seat Belt

Seat belts are the best means of protection in all types of traffic accidents. Airbags are only a supplement to the seat belt system and cannot fully replace it. Therefore, even if the vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure that you and all passengers are properly and securely fastened with seat belts (see page 17).

Children must be placed and securely restrained in special safety devices

The highest level of safety for children under 12 years old when riding in a vehicle is achieved when they are seated in the rear seat. Infants and small children must be securely restrained in special child safety seats or cradles. Older children who cannot yet be properly secured by the diagonal lap-and-shoulder seat belt should be seated on special booster cushions and only then secured with the seat belt (see pages 34 - 64).

Do not forget about the risk associated with airbag deployment.

The gas-inflated airbag can save your life in a crash. However, it can also cause serious injury or even death to the driver or front passenger if the seat is positioned too close to the instrument panel or if the occupant is not properly secured with the seat belt. Infants, small children, teenagers, and short-statured occupants are at the greatest risk. Carefully follow all instructions and warnings in this Owner's Manual.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages before driving or while operating the vehicle.

Drinking alcohol and driving a vehicle do not mix. Even one drink impairs driver reaction, and each additional drink increases your reaction time to changes in road conditions. Therefore, the best decision for you and your friends is never to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Maintain a safe vehicle speed.

Excessive speed is a decisive factor in vehicle crashes and fatalities of vehicle occupants. In general, the higher the speed, the greater the risk. However, this does not mean that driving at low speed eliminates the possibility of a crash. Always try not to exceed a safe driving speed, regardless of posted speed limits.

Keep your vehicle in good condition. Punctures and other tire damage are extremely dangerous. To avoid serious consequences, check the condition of the tires and the tire air pressure frequently.

Follow the scheduled vehicle maintenance program (see page 355 of this Owner's Manual and the Service Booklet for vehicles supplied to European countries).