Safety The floor mat in the footwell on the driver side must be securely fastened to ensure the pedal area is unobstructed. The driver side mat might be attached to the floor pin → Fig. 22 . Assume a correct sitting position before and while driving. This also applies to all passen- gers → page 32. Fasten your seat belt correctly before setting off and keep it properly fastened throughout the journey. This also applies to all passen- gers → page 34. Each vehicle occupant must sit in a seat of their own and must have their own seat belt. Never drive if your driving ability is impaired, e.g.
by medication, alcohol, drugs, among other substances capable of influencing your perception and reaction. Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic (e.g. by passengers, telephone calls, browsing through display menus.) Always adjust speed and driving pattern ac- cording to visibility, climate, road, and traffic conditions, under respective speed limits. Observe traffic regulations and speed limits. When travelling long distances, stop and take a break regularly – at least every two hours. Carry animals in the vehicle using restraint systems based on their weight and size. Overall guidelines Fig. 22 Driver side mat attached to the floor pin.
Preparations for travel and driving safety Observe the following information both before and during every journey to ensure your own safety, and the safety of all passengers and other road users → : Check that all lights and turn signals are working properly. Check the tyre pressure ( → page 236) and fuel level ( → page 14). Ensure that you have a good, clear view through all of the windows. The supply of air to the engine may not be suppressed and the engine should not be covered with covers or insulating materials → in Safety guidelines for work in the en- gine compartment on page 214.
Secure any objects and luggage in the stow- age compartments, the luggage compart- ment or on the roof → page 178. Ensure that you are able to operate the ped- als freely at all times. Secure any children travelling in the vehicle in a restraint system suitable for their weight and size → page 49. Adjust the front seats, headrests and mirrors properly in accordance with the size of the occupants → page 32. Wear proper shoes that provide good grip for your feet when using the pedals. Some countries adopt special safety regulations and relevant prescriptions for exhaust gases which may differ from the structural condition of the vehicle.
Volkswagen recommends that you learn about any legal requirement and the fol- lowing issues concerning your destination before travelling abroad: Does the vehicle need any technical modifi- cations for driving abroad, e.g. masking or switching the headlights over? Are the necessary tools, diagnostic equip- ment and spare parts available for service and repair work? Is there a Volkswagen Dealership in the des- tination country? Is there unleaded petrol with the correct oc- tane number and free of metallic additives (such as manganese) in the destination coun- try? Driving abroad 25A.5L1.POL.20 Safety 31