1997 Mercury Mystique Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 99

Seating and Safety Restraints RWARNING If you are close to an inflating air bag, it could seriously injure you. Position your seat such that it is as far back from the steering wheel as possible but still allows you to properly control the vehicle. Children and Air Bags NOTE: For additional important safety information on the proper use of seat belts, child seats, and infant seats, please read the entire Safety Restraints section in this owner guide. RWARNING Children should always wear their safety belts. Failure to follow these instructions may increase the risk of personal injury in the event of a collision. RWARNING Rear-facing infant seats must always be secured in the rear seat. How Does the Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System Work? The Air Bag Supplemental Restraint System is designed to activate when the vehicle is in a collision similar to hitting a fixed barrier head on at 8-14 mph (13-23 km/h). The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were not of the type sufficient to cause acitivation. If the vehicle is in a moderate or severe frontal collision, the system is activated and the air bags inflate rapidly. After the air bag inflates, it will quickly deflate. After the air bag deployment, you may notice a smoke-like, powdery residue or 99