2003 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 14

14 Safety Safety belt pretensioners WARNING If the car is involved in a crash, the safety belts, belt pretensioners and other components must be inspected by an authorized Saab dealer and replaced as necessary. Never make any alterations or repairs to the safety belt yourself. Visit an authorized Saab dealer for any necessary repairs. The belts of the front seats are fitted with automatic pretensioners and force limiters. The pretensioners are activated in the event of a violent frontal or side-on crash. The pretensioners are only activated if the safety belt in question is in use. The safety belt pretensioners are not activated if the car rolls over. The safety belt pretensioners serve to reduce the forward movement of the body by tensioning the belt. The force limiters reduce belt loads on the body by "slackening" the safety belt slightly to absorb the body's kinetic energy as gradually as possible. Safety belt use during pregnancy Pregnant women must always wear a safety belt to protect both themselves and the unborn child. The lap belt should be placed low, across the hips and over the upper thighs.