Switching on and off
The Driver Alert System can be activated or deactivated using the button or function
button and the Vehicle, and Driver assistance function buttons in the
Infotainment system ⇒ Vehicle settings menu.
Function limitations
The Driver Alert System has system-related limitations. The following conditions can limit the
function of the Driver Alert System, or prevent it from working altogether:
•Speeds less than 60 km/h (37 mphyf .
•Speeds of more than 200 km/h (125 mphyf .
•Roads with bends.
•Poor roads.
•Adverse weather conditions.
•Sporty driving style.
•Towing a heavy/long trailer.
•The driver is distracted.
The Driver Alert System is reset in the following situations:
•The ignition is switched off.
•The driver seat belt is unfastened and the driver door is open.
•The vehicle has been stationary for longer than 15 minutes.
The Driver Alert System is automatically reset in case of long slow drives (speed less than 60 km/h
(37 mphyf \f. If the speed is increased, the system evaluates the driving behaviour again.
The Driver Alert System has been developed for use only while driving on highways and
good roads.
If there is a system fault, proceed to a qualified workshop immediately to have the system
checked.
Dynamic Road Sign Display (Sign Assistyf
Fig. 19 On the instrument cluster display: examples of recognised speed limits or overtaking
restrictions with accompanying additional signs.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
Dynamic Road Sign Display uses a camera in the base of the interior mirror to monitor standard
road signs in front of the vehicle and notifies the driver of any detected speed limits or overtaking
restrictions. Within the limits of the system, the system also displays additional signs, e.g.
temporary restrictions, signs related to towing a trailer ⇒ Trailer towing or restrictions in wet
weather conditions. In some cases the system can also display the current speed limits on non-
signposted routes.
The intelligent technology used in the Driver Alert System cannot overcome the laws of
physics, and functions only within the limits of the system. Do not let the extra
convenience afforded by the Driver Alert System tempt you into taking any risks when
driving – this can cause accidents. During a long trip, plan regular and sufficient breaks.
•The driver is responsible at all times for their fitness to drive.
•Never drive a vehicle when you are tired.
•The system cannot always detect the driver's level of alertness. Observe the
information in the section Function limitations ⇒ Function limitations.
•In certain situations, the system may wrongly interpret intentional driving manoeuvres
as a lack of alertness from the driver.
•No urgent warning will be given in the event of the phenomenon known as microsleep.
•Follow the information on the instrument cluster display and respond according to the
commands.
WARNING
Warning lamp
Fig. 31 On the instrument cluster display: warning lamp.
Fig. 32 On the instrument cluster display: seat belt status for the rear seats.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
A signal tone will be emitted for a few seconds if the seat belts are not fastened as the vehicle pulls
off and reaches a speed of more than approximately 25 km/h (15 mphyf R U L I W K H V H D W E H O W V D U H
unfastened while the vehicle is in motion. This is accompanied by the flashing warning lamp
⇒ Fig. 31.
The warning lamp does not go out until the driver and front passenger fasten their seat belts
while the ignition is switched on.
Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
Seat belts will only offer the optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used
properly.
•Seat belts are the most effective means of reducing the risk of serious and fatal injuries
in the event of an accident. Seat belts must always be fastened properly when the
vehicle is in motion to protect the driver and all vehicle occupants.
•Before every trip, each vehicle occupant must adopt the correct sitting position,
correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to their seat and keep it fastened properly
throughout the trip. This applies to all vehicle occupants and also in urban traffic.
•While the vehicle is in motion, secure all children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint
system suitable for their weight and height. They must also wear correctly fastened
seat belts ⇒ Safe transport of children.
•Only start driving when all passengers have correctly fastened their seat belts.
•Only ever insert the latch plate into the buckle of the associated seat, and always
ensure that it engages properly. Using a buckle that does not belong to the seat that
you are occupying reduces the level of protection and can lead to severe injuries.
•Avoid allowing foreign bodies or liquids to enter the slot for the seat belt buckle. This
could prevent the belt buckle and seat belt from working properly.
•Never unfasten the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion.
•Never allow more than one person to share the same seat belt.
•Never travel when children or babies are being carried on somebody's lap and fastened
with the same belt.
•Never travel wearing loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacketyf 7 K L V
could prevent the seat belts from fitting and functioning properly.
WARNING
Damaged seat belts are very dangerous and can cause severe or fatal injuries.
•Never damage the belt by trapping it in the door or in the seat mechanism.
•If the belt webbing or any other part of the seat belt becomes damaged, the seat belt
may tear during an accident or sudden braking manoeuvre.
•Have damaged seat belts immediately replaced by new seat belts that have been
approved by Volkswagen for the vehicle. Seat belts subjected to stress and stretched
during an accident must be replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be
necessary even if there is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be
checked.
•Never try to repair, modify or remove the seat belts yourself. All repairs to the seat
belts, belt retractors and buckles must be carried out by a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Belt status display for the rear seats
After the ignition has been switched on, the belt status display ⇒ Fig. 32 on the instrument cluster
display shows the driver whether the rear seat passengers have fastened their seat belts. The
symbol indicates that the passenger on this seat has fastened their seat belt. The symbol
indicates that the seatbelt has not been fastened.
The belt status display will be shown for approximately 30 seconds if a seat belt is fastened or
unfastened on the rear seats. The display can be hidden by pressing the button in the
instrument cluster.
If a seat belt for one of the rear seats is unfastened while the vehicle is in motion, the belt status
display will flash for a maximum of 30 seconds. If the vehicle is travelling faster than approximately
25 km/h (15 mphyf D V L J Q D O W R Q H Z L O O D O V R V R X Q G .
Frontal collisions and the laws of physics
Fig. 33 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle heading for a brick wall.
Fig. 34 Unbelted occupants in a vehicle striking a brick wall.
First read and observe the introductoryinformation and safety warnings⇒
Introduction
The physical principles involved in a frontal collision are relatively simple. As soon as the vehicle is
in motion ⇒ Fig. 33, both the moving vehicle and its passengers gain kinetic energy.
The higher the vehicle speed and the heavier the weight of the vehicle, the greater the amount of
energy that will have to be released in the event of an accident.
However, the most significant factor is the speed of the vehicle. For example, if the speed doubles
from 25 km/h to 50 km/h (15 mph to 31 mphyf W K H N L Q H W L F H Q H U J \ L Q F U H D V H V E \ D I D F W R U R I I R X U .
The amount of kinetic energy depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the vehicle
and passengers. The higher the speed and the heavier the weight, the greater the amount of
energy that will be released in the event of an accident.
Passengers not wearing seat belts are not connected to the vehicle. In the event of a frontal
collision they will continue to move forwards at the same speed at which the vehicle was travelling
before impact, until something stops them. Because the passengers in our example are not
restrained by seat belts, the entire amount of kinetic energy will be released only at the point of
impact against the wall ⇒ Fig. 34.
Even at speeds of approximately 30 km/h (19 mphyf W R D S S U R [ L P D W H O \ N P K P S K \f, the forces
acting on bodies in a collision can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kgyf 7 K H V H I R U F H V D U H H Y H Q
greater at higher speeds.
This example applies not only to frontal collisions, but to all accidents and collisions.
What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their
seat belts
Incorrectly fastened or unfastened seat belts increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries.
Seat belts will only offer the optimum level of protection when they are fastened and used
properly.
WARNING