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Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Seat belt protection

Fig. 63 shows a Volkswagen Golf Mk7 driver held safely in position by a properly worn seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre. This page explains why correctly fastened belts make such a decisive difference: they keep occupants in the correct sitting position throughout an incident, sharply reducing the forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the body.

Fig. 63 Driver restrained by a properly positioned seat belt during a sudden braking manoeuvre

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

Correctly fastened seat belts can make a major difference. When fastened properly, seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting positions and considerably reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident. Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to severe injuries. In addition, wearing seat belts properly reduces the risk of being thrown from the vehicle  .

Passengers wearing seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability of the belts to reduce the kinetic energy. The front crumple zones and other passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to reduce kinetic energy. The amount of energy generated will thus decrease, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

The examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why seat belts must be fastened before every trip – even if you are only planning to drive a very short distance. Ensure that all passengers also wear their seat belts properly.

Accident statistics have shown properly worn seat belts to be an effective means of substantially reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the protection provided by airbags in the event of an accident. This is why wearing a seat belt is a legal requirement in most countries.

Although the vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be fastened and worn. For example, the front airbags will only be triggered in certain types of frontal collision. The front airbags will not be triggered during minor frontal collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or accidents in which the airbag trigger threshold in the control unit is not exceeded.

Therefore, always wear your seat belt and ensure that your passengers have fastened their seat belts properly before you drive off.

    Questions & answers

    Seat belt protection — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

    How do seat belts protect occupants in the Golf Mk7?
    They hold the occupant in the correct sitting position, distribute crash forces across the strongest parts of the body — the shoulder, chest and pelvis — and dramatically reduce kinetic energy transfer, lowering the risk of fatal injury.
    Do seat belts work together with the Golf Mk7 airbag system?
    Yes. The airbag system is designed as a supplement to the seat belt, not a replacement. Without the belt holding the occupant in position, airbags can actually cause injury instead of preventing it.
    Can a seat belt cause injuries in a Golf Mk7 accident?
    Minor bruising from the belt is possible, but the injuries prevented are far more severe than any belt-related bruising. The key is correct routing — a badly positioned belt is more likely to cause harm.
    What happens to vehicle occupants who have not fastened their seat belts
    Fig. 61 An unbelted driver is thrown forwards Fig. 62 The unbelted rear passenger is thrown forwards, hitting the belted driver First read and observe the introductory information and safety ...

    Using seat belts
    First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings  ...

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