2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Seat Belt Setup
The seat belts in the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C are not only required for safety reasons, but they are also an important part of the car’s carefully built interior that combines form and function. These seat belts, which were carefully made in Italy, are the first line of defence in case of an accident. They protect the people inside the car without taking away from its sleek and sporty look. The seat belt recommendations for the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C go beyond what the law requires. They are a promise of safety and an invitation to all drivers and passengers to travel safely and responsibly. Those who follow these rules, not only do they follow the law, but they also help keep people safe, making every trip in this amazing sports car a perfect mix of style and safety.
Seat Belt Systems
Buckle up even though you are an excellent driver, even on short trips. Someone on the road may be a poor driver and could cause a collision that includes you. This can happen far away from home or on your own street.
Research has shown that seat belts save lives, and can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a collision. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle. Seat belts reduce the possibility of ejection and the risk of injury caused by striking the inside of the vehicle. Everyone in a motor vehicle should be belted at all times.
Enhanced Seat Belt Use Reminder System (BeltAlert)
The Belt Alert feature is active whenever the ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. In this condition, if the driver is unbelted, a continuous chime signal will start for a few seconds and the Seat Belt Reminder Light will turn on until the driver seat belt is buckled. If the driver seat belt is unbuckled once the vehicle speed is over 12.5 mph (20 km/h) or when travelling at a speed from 6 to 12.5 mph (10 to 20 km/h) for a few seconds, the BeltAlert® warning sequence begins by blinking the Seat Belt Reminder Light and sounds an intermittent chime. Once the sequence starts, it will continue for the entire duration or until the driver’s seat belt is buckled. After the sequence completes, the Seat Belt Reminder Light remains illuminated until the driver’s seat belt is buckled. The driver should instruct all other occupants to buckle their seat belts. It is recommended that pets be restrained in the rear seat (if equipped) in pet harnesses or pet carriers that are secured by seat belts, and cargo is properly stowed. BeltAlert can be activated or deactivated by your authorized dealer. FCA US LLC does not recommend deactivating BeltAlert.
NOTE: If BeltAlert has been deactivated, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will continue to illuminate while the driver’s seat belt remains unbuckled and a continuous chime will sound when the ignition switch is first placed in the START or ON/RUN position.
Lap/Shoulder Belts
All seating positions in your vehicle are equipped with lap/shoulder belts. The seat belt webbing retractor will lock only during very sudden stops or collisions. This feature allows the shoulder part of the seat belt to move freely with you under normal conditions. However, in a collision, the seat belt will lock and reduce your risk of striking the inside of the vehicle or being thrown out of the vehicle. This seat belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to release webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the seat belt force acting on the occupant’s chest.
WARNING
- Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, the airbags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt even though you have airbags.
- In a collision, you and your passengers can suffer much greater injuries if you are not properly buckled up. You can strike the interior of your vehicle or other passengers, or you can be thrown out of the vehicle. Always be sure you and others in your vehicle are buckled up properly.
- It is dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
- Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and seat belts.
- Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a seat belt properly.
- Wearing your seat belt incorrectly could make your injuries in a collision much worse. You might suffer internal injuries, or you could even slide out of the seat belt. Follow these instructions to wear your seat belt safely and to keep your passengers safe, too.
- Two people should never be belted into a single seat belt. People belted together can crash into one another in a collision, hurting one another badly. Never use a lap/shoulder belt or a lap belt for more than one person, no matter what their size.
- A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of injury in a collision. The seat belt forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen. Always wear the lap part of your seat belt as low as possible and keep it snug.
- A twisted seat belt may not protect you properly. In a collision, it could even cut into you. Be sure the seat belt is flat against your body, without twists. If you can’t straighten a seat belt in your vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer immediately and have it fixed.
- A seat belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not protect you properly. The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries. Always buckle your seat belt into the buckle nearest you.
- A seat belt that is too loose will not protect you properly. In a sudden stop, you could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury. Wear your seat belt snugly.
- A seat belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous. Your body could strike the inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury. A seat belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries. Ribs aren’t as strong as shoulder bones. Wear the seat belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones will take the force in a collision.
- A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a collision. You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your shoulder belt. The lap and shoulder belts are meant to be used together.
- A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a collision and leave you with no protection. Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose parts. Damaged parts must be replaced immediately. Do not disassemble or modify the seat belt system. Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a collision.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Operating Instructions
- Enter the vehicle and close the door. Sit back and adjust the seat.
- The seat belt latch plate is above the back of the front seat, and next to your arm in the rear seat (for vehicles equipped with a rear seat). Grasp the latch plate and pull out the seat belt. Slide the latch plate up the webbing as far as necessary to allow the seat belt to go around your lap.
- When the seat belt is long enough to fit, insert the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click.”
- Position the lap seat belt so that it is snug and lies low across your hips, below your abdomen. To remove slack in the lap belt portion, pull up on the shoulder belt. To loosen the lap belt if it is too tight, tilt the latch plate and pull on the lap belt. A snug seat belt reduces the risk of sliding under the seat belt in a collision.
- Position the shoulder belt across the shoulder and chest with minimal, if any slack so that it is comfortable and not resting on your neck. The retractor will withdraw any slack in the shoulder belt.
- To release the seat belt, push the red button on the buckle. The seat belt will automatically retract to its stowed position. If necessary, slide the latch plate down the webbing to allow the seat belt to retract fully.
Lap/Shoulder Belt Untwisting Procedure
Use the following procedure to untwist a twisted lap/shoulder belt.
- Position the latch plate as close as possible to the anchor point.
- At about 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) above the latch plate, grasp and twist the seat belt webbing 180 degrees to create a fold that begins immediately above the latch plate.
- Slide the latch plate upward over the folded webbing. The folded webbing must enter the slot at the top of the latch plate.
- Continue to slide the latch plate up until it clears the folded webbing and the seat belt is no longer twisted.
Seat Belts And Pregnant Women
We recommend that pregnant women use seat belts throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is the best way to keep the baby safe. Pregnant women should wear the lap portion of the seat belt across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible. Keep the seat belt low so that it does not come across the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take the force if there is a collision.
Seat Belt Pretensioner
The front seat belt system is equipped with pretensioning devices that are designed to remove slack from the seat belt in the event of a collision. These devices may improve the performance of the seat belt by removing slack from the seat belt early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occupants, including those in child restraints.
NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be worn snugly and positioned properly.
The pretensioners are triggered by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). Like the air bags, the preten-sioners are single-use items. A deployed pretensioner or a deployed airbag must be replaced immediately.
Energy Management Feature
This vehicle has a seat belt system with an Energy Management feature in the front seating positions that may help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision. This seat belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to release webbing in a controlled manner.
Automatic Locking Retractor Mode (ALR)
The seat belt in the passenger seating position is equipped with a switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) which is used to secure a child restraint system. For additional information, refer to “Child Restraints” in “Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle.” The image below defines the type of feature for each seating position.
- ALR = Switchable Automatic Locking Retractor
- Top Tether Anchorage Symbol
If the passenger seating position is equipped with an ALR and is being used for normal usage:
Only pull the seat belt webbing out far enough to comfortably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section so as to not activate the ALR. If the ALR is activated, you will hear a clicking sound as the seat belt retracts. Allow the webbing to retract completely in this case and then carefully pull out only the amount of webbing necessary to comfortably wrap around the occupant’s mid-section. Slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a “click”. In Automatic Locking Mode, the shoulder belt is automatically locked. The seat belt will still retract to remove any slack in the shoulder belt. The Automatic Locking Mode is available on all passenger-seating positions with a combination lap/shoulder belt. Use the Automatic Locking Mode anytime a child restraint is installed in a seating position that has a seat belt with this feature. Children 12 years old and under should always be properly restrained in a vehicle with a rear seat.
WARNING
- Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an airbag. A deploying Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or younger, including a child in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Only use rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle with a rear seat.
How To Engage The Automatic Locking Mode
- Buckle the combination lap and shoulder belt.
- Grasp the shoulder portion and pull downward until the entire seat belt is extracted.
- Allow the seat belt to retract. As the seat belt retracts, you will hear a clicking sound. This indicates the seat belt is now in the Automatic Locking Mode.
How To Disengage The Automatic Locking Mode
Unbuckle the combination lap/shoulder belt and allow it to retract completely to disengage the Automatic Locking Mode and activate the vehicle-sensitive (emergency) locking mode.
WARNING
- The seat belt assembly must be replaced if the switchable Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) feature or any other seat belt function is not working properly when checked according to the procedures in the Service Manual.
- Failure to replace the seat belt assembly could increase the risk of injury in collisions.
- Do not use the Automatic Locking Mode to restrain occupants who are wearing seat belts or children who are using booster seats. The locked mode is only used to install rear-facing or forward-facing child restraints that have a harness for restraining the child.
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
Air Bag System Components
Your vehicle may be equipped with the following airbag system components:
- Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC)
- Air Bag Warning Light
- Steering Wheel and Column
- Instrument Panel
- Knee Impact Bolsters
- Advanced Front Air Bags
- Supplemental Side Air Bags
- Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
- Front and Side Impact Sensors
- Front Seat Belt Pretensioners, Seat Belt Buckle Switch, and Seat Track Position Sensors
Advanced Front Air Bags
This vehicle has Advanced Front airbags for both the driver and front passenger as a supplement to the seat belt restraint systems. The driver’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the center of the steering wheel. The passenger’s Advanced Front Air Bag is mounted in the instrument panel. The words AIRBAG are embossed on the airbag covers.
Advanced Front Air Bag Locations
- Driver And Passenger Advanced Front Air Bags
- Passenger Knee Bolsters
- Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag/Driver Knee Bolster
WARNING
- Being too close to the steering wheel or instrument panel during Advanced Front Air Bag deployment could cause serious injury, including death. Airbags need room to inflate. Sit back, comfortably extending your arms to reach the steering wheel or instrument panel.
- Never place a rear-facing child restraint in front of an airbag. A deploying Passenger Advanced Front Air Bag can cause death or serious injury to a child 12 years or younger, including a child in a rear-facing child restraint.
- Only use a rear-facing child restraint in a vehicle with a rear seat.
Advanced Front Air Bag Features
The Advanced Front Air Bag system has multistage driver and front passenger airbags. This system provides output appropriate to the severity and type of collision as determined by the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), which may receive information from the front impact sensors or other system components. The first stage inflator is triggered immediately during an impact that requires airbag deployment. A low energy output is used in less severe collisions. A higher energy output is used for more severe collisions. This vehicle may be equipped with driver and/or front passenger seat track position sensors that may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags based on seat position. This vehicle may be equipped with a driver and/or front passenger seat belt buckle switch that detects whether the driver or front passenger seat belt is fastened. The seat belt buckle switch may adjust the inflation rate of the Advanced Front Air Bags.
WARNING
- No objects should be placed over or near the airbag on the instrument panel because any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a collision severe enough to cause the airbag to inflate.
- Do not put anything on or around the airbag covers or attempt to open them manually. You may damage the airbags and you could be injured because the airbags may no longer be functional. The protective covers for the airbag cushions are designed to open only when the airbags are inflating.
- Relying on the airbags alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The airbags work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, airbags won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belts even though you have airbags.
Advanced Front Air Bag Operation
Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to provide additional protection by supplementing the seat belts. Advanced Front Air Bags are not expected to reduce the risk of injury in rear, side, or rollover collisions. The Advanced Front Air Bags will not deploy in all frontal collisions, including some that may produce substantial vehicle damage — for example, some pole collisions, truck underrides, and angle offset collisions. On the other hand, depending on the type and location of impact, Advanced Front Air Bags may deploy in crashes with little vehicle front-end damage but that produce a severe initial deceleration. Because airbag sensors measure vehicle deceleration over time, vehicle speed and damage by themselves are not good indicators of whether or not an airbag should be deployed. Seat belts are necessary for your protection in all collisions, and also are needed to help keep you in position, away from an inflating airbag. When the ORC detects a collision requiring the Advanced Front Air Bags, it signals the inflator units. A large quantity of non-toxic gas is generated to inflate the Advanced Front Air Bags. The steering wheel hub trim cover and the upper right side of the instrument panel separate and fold out of the way as the airbags inflate to their full size. The Advanced Front Air Bags fully inflate in less time than it takes to blink your eyes. The airbags then quickly deflate while helping to restrain the driver and front passenger.
Supplemental Door-Integrated Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABIC)
This vehicle is equipped with Supplemental Door-Integrated Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs). SABICs may help reduce the risk of head injury to front-seat outboard occupants in certain side impacts. SABICs may reduce the risk of injuries in certain side impacts, in addition to the injury reduction potential provided by the seat belts and body structure. The SABICs are located in the door trim below the side windows. The trim covering the SABICs is labeled AIRBAG. The SABICs may help reduce the risk of partial or complete ejection of vehicle occupants through side windows in certain side impact events. The SABICs deploy upward, covering the side windows. An inflating SABIC pushes the outside edge of the trim out of the way and covers the window. The SABICs inflate with enough force to injure you if you are not belted and seated properly, or if items are positioned in the area where the SABICs inflate. Children are at an even greater risk of injury from a deploying airbag. SABICs are designed to activate in certain side impacts. The Occupant Restraint Controller (“ORC”) determines whether the deployment of the SABIC in a particular impact event is appropriate, based on the severity and type of collision. The side impact sensors aid the ORC in determining the appropriate response to impact events. The system is calibrated to deploy the SABIC on the impact side of the vehicle during impacts that require SABIC occupant protection. In side impacts, the SABICs deploy independently; a left-side impact deploys the left side SABIC only, and a right-side impact deploys the right side SABIC only. Vehicle damage by itself is not a good indicator of whether or not SABICs should be deployed.
SABICs will not deploy in all side collisions, including some collisions at certain angles, or some side collisions that do not impact the area of the passenger compart-ment. SABICs may deploy during angled or offset frontal collisions where the Advanced Front Air Bags deploy. SABICs are a supplement to the seat belt restraint system. SABICs deploy in less time than it takes to blink your eyes. Occupants, including children, who are up against or very close to SABICs can be seriously injured or killed. Occupants, including children, should never lean on or sleep against the door, side windows, or area where the side airbags inflate, even if they are in an infant or child restraint.
Seat belts (and child restraints where appropriate) are necessary for your protection in all collisions. They also help keep you in position, away from an inflating SABIC. To get the best protection from the SABICs, occupants must wear their seat belts properly and sit upright with their backs against the seats. Children must be properly restrained in a child restraint or booster seat that is appropriate for the size of the child.
WARNING
- Your vehicle is equipped with left and right Supplemental Door-Integrated Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtains (SABICs). Do not stack luggage or other cargo up high enough to block the deployment of the SABICs. The door trim below the side windows where the SABIC and its deployment path are located should remain free from any obstructions.
- SABICs need room to inflate. Do not lean against the door or window. Sit upright in the center of the seat.
- Being too close to the SABICs during deployment could cause you to be severely injured or killed.
- Relying on the SABICs alone could lead to more severe injuries in a collision. The SABICs work with your seat belt to restrain you properly. In some collisions, SABICs won’t deploy at all. Always wear your seat belt even though you have SABICs.
NOTE: Airbag covers may not be obvious to you, but they will open during airbag deployment.
Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag
This vehicle is equipped with a Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag mounted in the instrument panel below the steering column. The Supplemental Driver Knee Air Bag provides enhanced protection during a frontal impact by working together with seat belts, pretensioners, and Advanced Front Air Bags.
Knee Impact Bolsters
The Knee Impact Bolsters help protect the knees of the driver and front passenger, and position the front occupants for improved interaction with the Advanced Front Air Bags.
WARNING
- Do not drill, cut, or tamper with the knee impact bolsters in any way.
- Do not mount any accessories to the knee impact bolsters such as alarm lights, stereos, citizen band radios, etc.
If A Deployment Occurs
The Advanced Front Air Bags are designed to deflate immediately after deployment.
NOTE: Front and/or side airbags will not deploy in all collisions. This does not mean something is wrong with the airbag system.
If you do have a collision, which deploys the airbags, any or all of the following may occur:
- The airbag material may sometimes cause abrasions and/or skin reddening to the occupants as the airbags deploy and unfold. The abrasions are similar to friction rope burns or those you might get sliding along a carpet or gymnasium floor. They are not caused by contact with chemicals. They are not permanent and normally heal quickly. However, if you haven’t healed significantly within a few days, or if you have any blistering, see your doctor immediately.
- As the airbags deflate, you may see some smoke-like particles. The particles are a normal by-product of the process that generates the non-toxic gas used for airbag inflation. These airborne particles may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. If you have skin or eye irritation, rinse the area with cool water. For nose or throat irritation, move to fresh air. If the irritation continues, see your doctor. If these particles settle on your clothing, follow the garment manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
Do not drive your vehicle after the airbags have been deployed. If you are involved in another collision, the airbags will not be in place to protect you.
WARNING: Deployed airbags and seat belt pretensioners cannot protect you in another collision. Have the airbags, seat belt pretensioners, and seat belt retractor assemblies replaced by an authorized dealer immediately. Also, have the Occupant Restraint Controller System serviced as well.
NOTE
- Airbag covers may not be obvious in the interior trim, but they will open during airbag deployment.
- After any collision, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication network remains intact, and the power remains intact, depending on the nature of the event the ORC will determine whether to have the Enhanced Accident Response System perform the following functions:
- Cut off fuel to the engine.
- Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has power or until the ignition is cycled to OFF.
- Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as long as the battery has power or until the ignition is cycled to OFF.
- Unlock the doors automatically.
System Reset Procedure
Depending on the nature of the event the left and right turn signal lights, located in the instrument panel, may both be blinking and will continue to blink until the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. In order to move your vehicle to the side of the road, you must follow the system reset procedure.
Customer Action | Customer Will See |
1. Turn the ignition OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must be placed in Neutral State). |
Customer Action | Customer Will See |
2. Turn the ignition ON. | Left Turn Light is OFF. Right Turn Light BLINKS. |
3. Turn the Right Turn Signal Switch ON. | The right Turn Light is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light BLINKS. |
4. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch ON. | The Left Turn Light is ON SOLID. Right Turn Light BLINKS. |
5. Turn Right Turn Signal Switch ON. | The right Turn Light is ON SOLID. Left Turn Light BLINKS. |
6. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch ON. | The Left Turn Light is ON SOLID. The right Turn Light is ON SOLID. |
Customer Action | Customer Will See |
7. Turn Left Turn Signal Switch OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must be placed in
Neutral State). |
Left Turn Light is OFF. Right Turn Light is OFF. |
8. Turn the ignition OFF. | The system is now reset and the engine may be started. |
9. Turn Hazard Flashers OFF (Manually). |
If a reset procedure step is not completed within 45 seconds, then the turn signal lights will turn off and the reset procedure must be performed again in order to be successful.
Air Bag Warning Light
The airbags must be ready to inflate for your protection in a collision. The Air Bag Warning Light monitors the internal circuits and interconnecting wiring associated with the airbag system’s electrical components. The ORC monitors the readiness of the electronic parts of the airbag system whenever the ignition switch is in the START or ON/RUN position. If the ignition switch is in the OFF position the airbag system is not on and the airbags will not inflate. The ORC contains a backup power supply system that may deploy the airbags even if the battery loses power or becomes disconnected prior to deployment. Also, the ORC turns on the Air Bag Warning Light in the instrument panel for approximately four to eight seconds for a self-check when the ignition is first turned to the ON/RUN position. After the self-check, the Air Bag Warning Light will turn off. If the ORC detects a malfunction in any part of the system, it turns on the Air Bag Warning Light, either momentarily or continuously. A single chime will sound to alert you if the light comes on again after initial startup.
The ORC also includes diagnostics that will illuminate the instrument cluster Air Bag Warning Light if a malfunction is detected that could affect the airbag system. The diagnostics also record the nature of the malfunction. While the airbag system is designed to be maintenance-free, if any of the following occurs, have an authorized dealer service the airbag system immediately.
- The Air Bag Warning Light does not come on during the four to eight seconds when the ignition switch is first turned to the ON/RUN position.
- The Air Bag Warning Light remains on after the four to eight-second interval.
- The Air Bag Warning Light comes on intermittently or remains on while driving.
NOTE: If the speedometer, tachometer, or any engine-related gauges are not working, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may also be disabled. In this condition, the airbags may not be ready to inflate for your protection. Have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.
WARNING: Ignoring the Air Bag Warning Light in your instrument panel could mean you won’t have the airbags to protect you in a collision. If the light does not come on as a bulb check when the ignition is first placed in the on position and stays on after you start the vehicle, or if it comes on as you drive, have an authorized dealer service the air bag system immediately.
Maintaining Your Air Bag System
WARNING
- Modifications to any part of the airbag system could cause it to fail when you need it. You could be injured if the airbag system is not there to protect you. Do not modify the components or wiring, including adding any kind of badges or stickers to the steering wheel hub trim cover or the upper right side of the instrument panel. Do not modify the front bumper, or vehicle body structure, or add aftermarket side steps or running boards.
- It is dangerous to try to repair any part of the airbag system yourself. Be sure to tell anyone who works on your vehicle that it has an airbag system.
- Do not attempt to modify any part of your airbag system. The airbag may inflate accidentally or may not function properly if modifications are made. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for any airbag system service. If your seat, including your trim cover and cushion, needs to be serviced in any way (including removal or loosening/tightening of seat attachment bolts), take the vehicle to your authorized dealer. Only manufacturer-approved seat accessories may be used. If it is necessary to modify the airbag system for persons with disabilities, contact your authorized dealer.
Event Data Recorder
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder (EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record, in certain crash or near crash-like situations, such as an airbag deployment or hitting a road obstacle, data that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s systems performed. The EDR is designed to record data related to vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time, typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR in this vehicle is designed to record such data as:
- How various systems in your vehicle were operating;
- Whether or not the driver and passenger seat belts were buckled/fastened;
- How far (if at all) the driver was pushing the accelerator and/or brake pedal; and,
- How fast the vehicle was traveling.
These data can help provide a better understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur.
NOTE: EDR data are recorded by your vehicle only if a non-trivial crash situation occurs; no data are recorded by the EDR under normal driving conditions and no personal data (e.g., name, gender, age, and crash location) are recorded. However, other parties, such as law enforcement, could combine the EDR data with the type of personally identifying data routinely acquired during a crash investigation.
To read data recorded by an EDR, special equipment is required, and access to the vehicle or the EDR is needed. In addition to the vehicle manufacturer, other parties, such as law enforcement, that have the special equipment, can read the information if they have access to the vehicle or the EDR.
FAQ’s
Answer: Seat belts should be worn at all times when the vehicle is in motion, regardless of whether you are the driver or a passenger.
Answer: Yes, all passengers, including those in the rear seats, should wear their seat belts at all times.
Answer: Wearing a seat belt is crucial for personal safety. It helps restrain occupants in the event of a collision, reducing the risk of injury or ejection from the vehicle.
Answer: Fasten your seat belt by inserting the latch plate into the buckle and pulling the belt across your lap and shoulder.
Answer: If your seat belt doesn’t retract correctly or is damaged, have it inspected and repaired by a qualified technician to ensure it functions properly.
Answer: Seat belts can be adjusted for comfort. Make sure the belt lies flat against your body and is not twisted or bunched, and adjust the height of the shoulder belt if possible.
Answer: Child safety seats are required for children of a certain age and size. Secure them according to the manufacturer’s instructions and any applicable laws.
Answer: Yes, you can be fined for not wearing a seat belt. It’s not only a safety requirement but also a legal obligation in many places.
Answer: Pregnant women should always wear seat belts. The lap belt should be worn low on the hips and not across the abdomen to protect both the mother and the unborn child.
Answer: No, it is not safe to wear the shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. The shoulder belt should always be worn over the shoulder and across the chest.
Answer: Seat belt extensions are available for those who find the standard belt too short. These extensions should be used to ensure a secure fit.
Answer: Ensure your seat belt is properly adjusted by making sure it lies flat against your body, is not twisted, and is snug but not overly tight.
Answer: If you experience discomfort or skin irritation, consider using a seat belt cushion or pad to alleviate the issue while ensuring the belt remains properly secured.
Answer: It is generally recommended to replace seat belts that have been involved in an accident, as they may be compromised.
Answer: Lead by example and communicate the importance of seat belt use for safety. Make sure all passengers understand the necessity of wearing seat belts while in the vehicle.