2003 Mercedes ML-Class Owner's Manual - Page 60

Safety and Security Occupant safety The side impact airbags and window curtain airbags are not deployed in impacts which do not exceed the system's deployment threshold. The passenger airbag will only be deployed if: the passenger seat is occupied the 7 indicator lamp in the instrument cluster is not lit ( page 26) Seat belts After starting the engine, a warning sounds and the seat belt warning lamp < remains illuminated for approx. six seconds if the driver's seat is not fastened. The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50 states and all Canadian provinces. Even where this is not the case, all vehicle occupants should have their seat belts fastened whenever the vehicle is in motion. Information on fastening seat belts is found in the "Getting started" section ( page 40). Warning! G Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure your passengers are properly restrained, even those sitting in the rear and pregnant women. Failure to wear and properly fasten and position your seat belt greatly increases your risk of injuries and their likely severity in an accident. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts. If you are ever in an accident, your injuries can be considerably more severe without your seat belt properly buckled. Without your seat belt buckled, you are much more likely to hit the interior of the vehicle or be ejected from it. You can be seriously injured or killed. In the same crash, the possibility of injury or death is lessened if you are properly wearing your seat belt. Airbags can only protect as they are designed if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts. i For information on infants and children traveling with you in the vehicle and restraint systems for infants and children, see "Children in the vehicle" ( page 63) 60