2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 46

46 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE WARNING! • Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt to manually open them. You may damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags are not there to protect you. These protective covers for the airbag cushions are designed to open only when the airbags are inflating. brake controllers, snowplow controllers, auxiliary light switches, radios, etc. on or behind the knee bolster. Knee bolsters are designed to work with the air bag and seat belt to protect you. Mounting any additional equipment on or behind the knee bolster can cause injury during a crash. stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the location of the window bag. The area where the window bag is located should remain free from any obstructions. have any accessory items installed which will alter the roof, including adding a sunroof to your vehicle. Do not add roof racks that require permanent attachments (bolts or screws) for installation on the vehicle roof. Do not drill into the roof of the vehicle for any reason. Airbags inflate in moderate to high speed impacts. Along with the seatbelts, front airbags work with the instrument panel knee bolsters to provide improved protection for the driver and front passenger. Window bags also work with seat belts to improve occupant protection. The seat belts are designed to protect you in many types of collisions. The front airbags deploy in moderate to severe frontal collisions. If your vehicle is so equipped, the window bag on the crash side of the vehicle is triggered in moderate to severe side collisions. In certain types of collisions, both the front and side airbags may be triggered. But even in collisions where the airbags work, you need the seat belts to keep you in the right position for the airbags to protect you properly. Here are some simple steps you can follow to minimize the risk of harm from a deploying airbag. • Children 12 years and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat, if available. • Do not mount any aftermarket equipment such as trailer • If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not • If your vehicle is equipped with window bags, do not