Page 15 of 127
CHILD RESTRAINTS116
The results of studies carried out into numerous road accidentsclearly indicate that the rear seats of a vehicle are the safest places for children to sit.
It is thus strongly recommended that, whenever possible, child seats are fitted in the rear.
This includes rearward facing child seats.
Young children should not be consi- dered as small adults; until the ageof 7 or 8 the ratio of head weight to
body weight is different to that ofadults. During violent deceleration or an impact, the weight of the head andthe relative weakness of the neckmuscles can cause serious spinal
injury. It is only from the age of approxi-
mately 10 or a height of 4Õ 6Ó (1.35m) that children can use the samemeans of restraint as an adult. This is why most countries legislate on the means of transporting chil-dren, and the sale and use of safe-ty equipment suitable for theirweight. The majority of experts in the field
of accident study, currently recom-mend:
Up to the age of 9 months
(up to 10 kg):
a rearward facing child seat, to beinstalled using a 3 point (inertiareel) seat belt. From 9 months to 3 years
(up to 18 kg):
a forward facing child seat, to beinstalled in the rear using a 2 or 3point (lap or inertia reel) seat belt.
Page 16 of 127
CHILD RESTRAINTS117
Over 3 years of age(more than 15 kg):
a seat belt adapter allowing the child to sit in the rear seats, facingforward, using a 2 or 3 point (lap orinertia reel) seat belt. (applicable inparticular to children aged between3 and 6 years old). In certain countries, the law only allows children to be carried in the front seats of the vehicle in the following circum- stances: ¥ Rearward facing child seat (passenger airbag not fitted or de-activated).¥ When the rear seats do not allow the fitting of such a seat (seat removed or folded).
¥ When there are more children than can be safely seated in the rear. Please consult your dealer for further information on the range of approved and tested equipment available. Over 3 years of age
(more than 15 kg):
a booster cushion, more applicable to larger children, installed in therear seats, facing forward, using a 3point (inertia reel) seat belt. (appli-cable in particular to children agedbetween 6 and 10 years old).
Page 59 of 127
SEAT BELTS114
Replacing the pyrotechnic pretensioner systems
They must be replaced following deployment or within ten years after first
registration of the vehicle. This must be done by the dealer network. In accordance with the strict security regulations in force, any repairs or checks must be performed exclusively by the dealer network. Any repairs that have not been carried out in strict compliance with the regulations could prevent the systems from operating correctly or couldcause their premature deployment, with the risk of bodily injuries.
Warning When the pretensioners are deployed, there is a light dischargeof harmless smoke and a loudnoise, both due to the detonation ofthe integral explosive cartridgesthat activate them. Seat belts equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners and grabbers
¥ The purpose of the pretensioners is to tension the front seat belts in such a
way as to pull the occupants back into their seat, thereby improving the seat
belt's effectiveness.
¥ As the pretensioners activate, the seat belt grabber locks the belt. As the seat belt locks, only a very slight extension of the belt takes place and fur-ther forward movement of the occupant during the impact is restricted.
In the event of an accident or violent braking, the seat belt will restrain theoccupants and prevent them from being thrown from the vehicle. It is for this reason that legislation demands that both front and rear seat occu- pants wear a seat belt, including pregnant women.
Page 60 of 127
SEAT BELTS115
- Make all seat belt adjustments when the vehicle is stationary.
- Do not allow the seat belt to rest on any hard or breakable objectsin your pockets.
- Do not use any type of clip or clamp which would prevent the seat belt from tensioning correctly.
- Never use the same seat belt for more than one occupant.
- Never carry a child on your lap.
- Check the seat belts and attachments regularly for cleanliness.
- Have the seat belts checked periodically by your dealer, especially after an accident (even if only minor).
To put on the seat belts: Grip the buckle and withdraw the seat belt smoothly across yourbody making sure that it is not twis-ted. Insert the buckle tongue into itsfixed section of the buckle and pushhome to lock. Pull to check that issecurely located. The lap strap must be positioned as low as possible across the pelvisand should be as tight as possible. The backrest of the seat should be as close to vertical as possible toavoid any risk of slipping beneaththe belt in an impact. SEAT BELTS FRONT The front seats of your vehicle are fitted with height adjustable inertiareel seat belts and pretensionerand grabbing devices.
Two of the three rear seat belts are of the inertia reel type. The wearing of seat belts is obli- gatory for all the occupants ofthe vehicle.
To offer the maximum degree of protection, it is essential that the
seat belt is worn correctly.
Adjusting the height of theupper seat belt anchorage The shoulder strap must be positio- ned across the centre of the shoul-der (see diagram). Never allow theseat belt to run across the neck norunder the arm.
Page 109 of 127
FRONT AIRBAG112
IMPORTANT:
For your safety, it is essential that you always sit with your back fully against the backrest.
Front airbags - Precautions ¥
The wearing of seat belts is obligatory.
¥ Never fix nor attach anything to the steering wheel boss; this could cause facial injuries should the airbag be activated.
¥ Do not stow nor allow objects to rest between your body and the airbag.
¥ Never drive with your hands on the centre boss of the steering wheel or holding the branches of the wheel.
¥ Do not smoke in the vehicle (risk of burns or injury should the airbag be deployed).
¥ Do not leave objects on the dashboard which could interfere with the operation of the airbag or cause injury to the passenger when activated.
¥ Make sure that the passenger does not place his feet on the dashboard when the vehicle is in motion.
¥ Children under ten years of age should use the rear seats with appropriate child restraints (see "Child restraints").
