Volkswagen Golf Owners Manual: The dangers of assuming an incorrect sitting position

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

If the seat belts are not worn or are worn incorrectly, the risk of severe or fatal injuries increases. Seat belts can only provide optimal protection if the seat belt routing is correct. Assuming an incorrect sitting position considerably impairs the level of protection provided by a seat belt. This could lead to severe or even fatal injuries. The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased when a deploying airbag strikes a vehicle occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position. The driver is responsible for all occupants transported in the vehicle, especially children.

The following list contains examples of sitting positions that can be dangerous for all vehicle occupants.

Whenever the vehicle is in motion:

• Never stand in the vehicle.

• Never stand on the seats.

• Never kneel on the seats.

• Never tilt the backrest too far to the rear.

• Never lean against the dash panel.

• Never lie on the rear bench seat.

• Never sit on the front edge of a seat.

• Never sit sideways.

• Never lean out of a window.

• Never put your feet out of a window.

• Never put your feet on the dash panel.

• Never place your feet on the seat cushion or seat backrest.

• Never travel in a footwell.

• Never sit on the front or rear armrests.

• Never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.

• Never travel in the luggage compartment.

WARNING

• All vehicle occupants must maintain a correct sitting position and wear their seat belt properly while the vehicle is in motion.

• Sitting in an incorrect position, not fastening the seat belt, or being too close to the airbag exposes the occupants to the risk of sustaining critical or fatal injuries, especially if the airbags are triggered and strike an occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position.