Owner’s Manual

5
OWNER SAFETY INFORMATION
INFLATION EFFECTS
When airbags inflate, a fine powder is released. This powder can irritate
the skin and should be thoroughly flushed from the eyes and from any cuts
or abrasions.
After inflation, the airbags will deflate to provide a gradual cushioning effect
for the occupants and to ensure the driver’s forward vision is not obscured.
If airbags have inflated, or if your vehicle has been in an accident, always
have the airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and any associated components
checked and, if necessary, replaced by Tesla.
In a collision, in addition to airbags inflating:
• doors unlock and the door handles extend
• hazard warning lights switch on
• interior lights switch on
• battery power is disabled
To restore Battery power, use the touchscreen to turn the vehicle OFF, then
turn it back on again by pressing the brake.
WARNINGS:
All occupants, including the driver, should always wear their seat belts
whether or not an airbag is also provided at their seating position to
minimize the risk of severe injury or death in the event of a crash.
Front seat occupants should not place their arms over the airbag module,
as an inflating bag can cause fractures or other injuries.
Airbags inflate with considerable speed and force, which can cause
injury. To limit injuries, ensure that occupants are wearing seat belts and
are correctly seated, with the seat as far back as possible. The National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends a minimum
distance of 10 inches (25 cm) between an occupant’s chest and an airbag.
Do not use a child safety seat or seat young children on a seat with an
operational airbag in front of it. Doing so can cause serious injury or death
if an airbag inflates.
To ensure correct inflation of the side airbags, maintain an unobstructed
gap between an occupant’s torso and the side of Model S.
Passengers should not lean their heads against the doors. Doing so can
cause injury if a curtain airbag inflates.
Do not allow passengers to obstruct the operation of an airbag by placing
feet, knees, or any other part of the body on or near an airbag.
Do not attach or place objects on or near the frontal airbag modules, the
side of the front seats, the headliner at the side of the vehicle, or near any
other airbag cover that could interfere with inflation of the airbag system.
Any such objects could cause harm if the vehicle is in a crash severe
enough to cause the airbag to inflate.
Following inflation, some airbag components are hot. Do not touch until
they have cooled.
AIRBAGS