2008 Mercedes SL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 79

Safety and Security Occupant safety Seat belts Warning! The use of seat belts and infant and child restraint systems is required by law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories 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. For information on fastening seat belts, see "Fastening the seat belts" ( page 50). Warning! G G If the 5/ indicator lamp should not illuminate, the system is not functioning. You must see an authorized Mercedes-Benz Center before seating any child on the passenger seat. Always fasten your seat belt before driving off. Always make sure your passenger is properly restrained. 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 passenger 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. Air bags can only protect as they are designed if the occupants are properly wearing their seat belts. More information can be found in the "Practical hints" section ( page 357). Warning! G 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 84). Never place anything between seat cushion and child seat (e.g. pillow), since it reduces the effectiveness of the Occupant Classification System. The bottom of the child seat must make full contact with the passenger seat cushion. An incorrectly mounted child seat could cause injuries to the child in case of an accident, instead of increasing protection for the child. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation of child seats. 79