Safe driving
8Therefore, this chapter explains why these safety features are so important,
how they can protect you, what you need to remember when using them and
how you and your passengers can gain the most benefit from them. There are
also a number of important safety warnings that you and your passengers
should always observe in order to minimise the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's responsibility!Before setting off
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers and
the safe operation of the vehicle at all times.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before setting off:
– Make sure that all lights and indicators are working properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Make sure that all windows are clean and give good visibility to
the outside.
– Secure all luggage and other items carefully ⇒page 16.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust the front seat, head restraint and mirrors correctly.
– Make sure that the head rest raints for all passengers are
adjusted to the correct position.
– Make sure that children are protected with suitable safety seats and properly worn seat belts ⇒page 46. – Sit in a correct position. Inform
your passengers as to how they
should sit ⇒page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly. Make sure that your passengers
do the same ⇒page 18.
What affects safe driving?
Safety on the road is directly related to how you drive, and can
also be affected by the passengers in the vehicle.The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and all its occu-
pants. If your ability to drive is impaired in any way, you endanger
yourself and other road users ⇒. Therefore:
– Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers or by using a mobile phone, etc.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (by medication, alcohol, drugs, etc.).
– Obey all traffic regulations and speed limits and always maintain a safe distance to the vehicle in front.
– Always adjust your speed to suit the road, traffic and weather conditions.
– Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive for more than two hours without a stop.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 8 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
Intelligent technology191
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Practical TipsIntelligent technologyElectronic Stability Programme (ESP)General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle's
stability on the road.The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where the
vehicle approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating and
cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all road
conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and
the traction control system (TCS) are all integrated into the Electronic Stability
Programme.
How it works
The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It also
processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors. These
register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), lateral accel-
eration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESP
compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle over
swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the road),
the brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend. If the
vehicle under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force is
applied to the rear wheel facing the inside of the bend.
The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒page 192. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also stop working.
Deactivating
The ESP is activated automatically when the engine is started and performs a
self-test routine.
Fig. 160 Centre console
with ESP switch
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 191 Freitag, 3. September 2010 11:41 11
