________________________________________________ D_r_i_v_i_n-=g,.__S_a_f_e_l-=y'--_WI
& WARNING (continued )
coverings will reduce the size of the pedal area and interfere with
the pedals .
• Always properly reinstall and secure floor mats that ha ve been
taken out for cleaning .
• Always make sure that objects cannot fall into the driver foot-
well while the vehicle is moving . Object s can become trapped
under the brake pedal and accelerato r pedal causing a loss of
vehicle control. •
Stowing luggage
Loading the Luggage compartment
All luggag e and oth er objects must be p roperly stow ed
and secured in th e luggage compartment.
Loose items in t he lugg age com part me nt can s hift sudde nly,
changi ng vehicle hand ling characteristics. Loose items can also
increase t he risk of ser ious pe rsonal injury in a sudde n veh icle
ma neuver or in a collis ion .
In a collision, the laws of physics mean that eve n sma ller items that
are loose in t he vehicle will become heavy missiles t hat can cause
serious injury. Items in the vehicle possess ene rgy wh ich vary wit h
vehicle speed and the we igh t of t he it em. Vehicle spee d is t he most
sign ificant factor.
For examp le, in a fron t al collision at a spee d of 30 mph (48 km/h),
the forces acting on a 10-lb (4 .5 kg) object are abo ut 20 t imes the
normal weig ht of the item . This means that the weight of t he item
wou ld suddenly be abo ut 200 lbs . (90 kg) . You can imagine t he inju-
ries that a 2 00 lbs . (90 kg) item flying freely throug h the passenge r
compa rt men t cou ld cause in a collision like t his.
Safety first
ln. WARNING
Improperly stored luggage or other items can fly through the
vehicle causing s erious personal injury in the event of hard braking
or an accident. To help reduce the risk of serious personal injury:
• Always put objects , for example, luggage or other heavy items
in the luggage compartment.
ln. WARNING
Heavy loads will influence the way your vehicle handles . To help
reduce the risk of a loss of control leading to serious personal
injury:
• Always keep in mind when transporting heavy objects, that a
change in the center of gravity can also cause changes in vehicle
handling.
• Never exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating or the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating specified on the safety compliance st icker on the
left door jamb. Exceeding permissible weight standards can cause
the vehicle to slide and handle differently.
• Please observe information on safe driving =>
page 100 .
& WARNING
Always make sure that the door s, all windows and the front lid are
securely closed and locked to reduce the risk of injury when the
vehicle is not being used .
• After closing the front lid, always make sure that it is properly
closed and locked.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended especially with the front
lid left open. A child could crawl into the luggage compartment
and close the front lid becom ing trapped and unable to get out .
Being trapped in a vehicle can lead to serious personal injury .
• Never let children play in or around the vehicle.
Vehicle care Do-it-yourself: service Technical data
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