belt AUDI A3 2020 Owner´s Manual

Assist systems

Driving in stop-and-go traffic
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control

ig. 115 Instrument cluster: safe start monitor
The adaptive cruise control system assists you in
stop-and-go traffic. If a vehicle that is detected
ahead stops, your vehicle will brake and stay at a
stop, within the limits of the system.
> To resume driving with adaptive cruise control,
tap the accelerator pedal or
> Pull the lever toward you into position @)
=> page 122, fig. 116.
Starting to drive with adaptive cruise
control!)
As long as the message ACC autom. go is dis-
played and the object detected ahead starts to
move, your vehicle will continue driving > A\. You
can activate ACC: autom. go again for a short
time by pulling the lever to position @).
The ACC: autom. go start mode ends when the
brake pedal is pressed.
For safety reasons, your vehicle will only start to
drive automatically if:
— The driver's safety belt is fastened
— All doors and the hood are closed
— Your vehicle is not stationary for more than
three minutes
Safe start monitor
If an obstacle is detected when you start driving,
you will be alerted to the danger by the B indi-
cator light and the image in the instrument clus-
ter display > fig. 115 > A. An audio signal will
also sound. Your vehicle will drive more slowly

D_ This is not available in some countries.
122
when starting. This may also occur in some situa-
tions when there is no apparent obstacle.
— Press the brake pedal to slow your vehicle
down.

A WARNING
If the message ACC: autom. go!) appears,
your vehicle will start driving, even if there is
an obstacle between your vehicle and the ve-
hicle driving ahead. This increases the risk of
an accident.
G) Tips
If adaptive cruise control is active and your ve-
hicle does not start driving even though the
message ACC: autom. go”) appears, you can
start driving by tapping the accelerator pedal.
Interrupting cruise control
Applies to: vehicles with Audi adaptive cruise control


B4M-0233


Fig. 116 Operating lever
Requirement: adaptive cruise control must be
switched on.
Overriding cruise control
> To accelerate manually, pull the lever toward
you into position @) and hold it there, or press
the accelerator pedal. The message ACC: over-
ride appears.
> To resume cruise control, release the lever or
take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Interrupting cruise control while driving
> Move the lever into position @). The message
ACC: standby appears. Or

8V2012721BK
Assist systems

This message appears if the sensor view is ob-
structed, for example by leaves, snow, heavy
spray or dirt. Clean the sensor > page 119,
fig. 109.
ACC: currently unavailable. Incline too steep
The road exceeds the maximum possible angle
for safe adaptive cruise control operation. The
adaptive cruise control cannot be switched on.
ACC: only available in D, Sor M
The adaptive cruise control system only works in
the specified selector lever position. Select the
respective selector lever position.
ACC: parking brake applied
The adaptive cruise control system switches off
automatically if the parking brake is set. The
adaptive cruise control is available again after re-
leasing the parking brake.
ACC: currently unavailable. Stabilization
control input
This message appears if the Electronic Stabiliza-
tion Control (ESC) is taking action to stabilize the
vehicle. In this case, adaptive cruise control
switches off automatically.
ACC: Please take over!
This message appears if the vehicle rolls back
when starting on a slight incline, even though
ACC is active. Press the brake pedal to prevent
the vehicle from rolling or starting to move.
ACC: currently unavailable. Park assist active
The systems switch off when Park assist* is ac-
tive. The systems are available again after com-
pleting the parking process.
Distance warning: malfunction! Please contact
Service
The system cannot guarantee that it will detect
vehicles correctly and it has switched off. The ra-
dar sensor was moved or is faulty. Drive to an au-
thorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi Service
Facility immediately to have the malfunction cor-
rected.
Distance warning: currently unavailable. Sensor
view limited due to surroundings.
This message appears if the sensor view is ob-
structed, for example by leaves, snow, heavy
spray or dirt. Clean the sensor > page 119,
fig. 109.
Distance warning: currently unavailable. See
owner's manual
This message appears if the system has a tempo-
rary failure. If this occurs multiple times, drive to
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized Audi
Service Facility immediately to have the malfunc-
tion corrected.
Fasten seat belt
The system is not completely available if the driv-
er's seat belt is unfastened.
Stat. obj. ahead
This message appears if you would like to switch
the system on and there is a stationary object di-
rectly in front of your vehicle.
Door open
The system is not available when the vehicle is
stationary and the driver's door is open.
Audi pre sense
Introduction
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense
Within the limits of the system, the pre sense
functions can initiate measures in particularly
dangerous situations to protect the vehicle pas-
sengers and other road users.
— Due to the interlinking of various vehicle sys-
tems, critical driving situations can be detected
by pre sense basic and measures for preventa-
tive occupant protection are can be initiated.
— The pre sense front uses the data from the ra-
dar sensors and calculates the probability of an
accident > page 119. An impending collision
with vehicles can be detected within the limits
of the system. In this case, the system warns
the driver visually, acoustically and with a jerk
on the brakes if necessary. If needed, it can ini-
tiate a partial or full deceleration to reduce the
collision speed or to avoid the collision under
certain circumstances. In conjunction with pre >
125

Assist systems

sense basic, the front safety belts are also re-
versibly tensioned when needed. The pre sense
front is also active when adaptive cruise con-
trol* is switched off.

ZA\ WARNING
Also follow the general instructions found in
= A in General information on page 119.
G) Tips
— Certain pre sense functions switch off when
driving in reverse.
— The pre sense functions may not be availa-
ble if there is a malfunction in the ESC sys-
tem or the airbag control module.
— Note that the reversible belt tensioner on
the front passenger's side deactivates when
the front passenger's airbag is deactivated.
— Certain Audi pre sense front functions are
unavailable or have limited availability for
approximately 20 seconds after starting the
vehicle (may be longer depending on the
driving situation).
— Switch the pre sense off when you are not
using public streets or when loading the ve-
hicle onto a vehicle carrier, train, ship, or
other type of transportation. This can pre-
vent an undesired intervention from the pre
sense system.
ONT ees
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense basic

The pre sense basic functions are activated at a
speed of approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) or
higher.
The following functions can be triggered under
certain conditions within the limits of the sys-
tem:
—Tensioning of the safety belts (for example,
during heavy braking): the front safety belts
have reversible belt tensioners. If a collision
does not occur, the safety belts loosen slightly
and are ready to trigger again.
— Initiating the closing of the windows and the
panoramic glass roof* (for example when un-
der- or oversteering).
126
Audi drive select*: the trigger times are adjusted
depending on the mode selected.
Audi pre sense front
Applies to: vehicles with Audi pre sense front

RAH-8970
Audi pre sense


Fig. 120 Instrument cluster: approach warning
Description
Within the limits of the system and depending
on the situation and speed, pre sense front can
warn you about impending collisions with sta-
tionary, stopped, and moving vehicles and ini-
tiate appropriate braking measures.
If detection is not possible, then pre sense front
does not react.
The following functions trigger in conjunction
with pre sense basic at corresponding vehicle
speeds:
— Reversible tensioning of the front safety belts
— Closing the windows and panoramic glass roof*
Early warning/acute warning
The system can provide visual and audible warn-
ings when dangerous situations are detected. The
early warning may occur if:
—a vehicle driving ahead brakes strongly,
— your vehicle is traveling at speeds between ap-
proximately 20 to 50 mph (30 to 85 km/h) and
it approaches a stationary vehicle.
— your vehicle is traveling at speeds between ap-
proximately 20 to 155 mph (30 to 250 km/h)
and it approaches a vehicle that is clearly trav-
eling more slowly or a vehicle in your direction
of travel that is stopped.
When this warning occurs, it may only be possi-
ble to avoid a collision by swerving or braking >

8V2012721BK
Driving safety

Driving safety
Basics
SER Nails mali
Please remember - safety first!
The individual safety features of your vehicle can
work together as a system to help protect you
and
your passengers in a wide range of accidents.
These features cannot work as a system if they
are not always correctly adjusted and correctly
used.
This chapter contains important information,
tips, instructions and warnings that you need to
read and observe for your own safety, the safety
of your passengers and others. We have summar-
ized here what you need to know about safety
belts, airbags, child restraints as well as child
safety. Your safety is for us priority number 1. Al-
ways observe the information and warnings in
this section - for your own safety as well as that
of your passengers.
The information in this section applies to all
model versions of your vehicle. Some of the fea-
tures described in this sections may be standard
equipment on some models, or may be optional
equipment on others. If you are not sure, ask
your authorized Audi dealer.

ZA WARNING
— Always make sure that you follow the in-
structions and heed the WARNINGS in this
Manual. It is in your interest and in the in-
terest of your passengers.
— Always keep the complete Owner's Litera-
ture in your Audi when you lend or sell your
vehicle so that this important information
will always be available to the driver and
passengers.
— Always keep the Owner's literature handy so
that you can find it easily if you have ques-
tions.

Important things to do before driving
Safety is everybody's job! Vehicle and occupant
safety always depends on the informed and care-
ful driver.
For
your safety and the safety of your passen-
gers, before driving always:
> Make sure that all lights and signals are operat-
ing correctly.
> Make sure that the tire pressure is correct.
> Make sure that all windows are clean and afford
good visibility to the outside.
> Secure all luggage and other items carefully
= page 60, > page 60.
> Make sure that nothing can interfere with the
pedals.
> Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors
correctly for your height.
> Instruct passengers to adjust the head re-
straints according to their height.
> Make sure to use the right child restraint cor-
rectly to protect children > page 278, Child
safety.
» Sit properly in your seat and make sure that
your passengers do the same > page 54, Front
seats.
> Fasten your safety belt and wear it properly. Al-
so instruct your passengers to fasten their safe-
ty belts properly > page 245.
What impairs driving safety?
Safe driving is directly related to the condition of
the vehicle, the driver as well as the driver’s abili-
ty to concentrate on the road without being dis-
tracted.
The driver is responsible for the safety of the ve-
hicle and all of its occupants. If your ability to
drive is impaired, safety risks for everybody in the
vehicle increase and you also become a hazard to
everyone else on the road > /\. Therefore:
> Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers
or by using a cellular telephone.
> NEVER drive when your driving ability is im-
paired (by medications, alcohol, drugs, etc.).
> Observe all traffic laws, rules of the road and
speed limits and plain common sense.
237

Driving safety

> ALWAYS adjust your speed to road, traffic and
weather conditions.
> Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive
for more than two hours at a stretch.
> Do NOT drive when you are tired, under pres-
sure or when you are stressed.

ZX WARNING
Impaired driving safety increases the risk of
serious personal injury and death whenever a
vehicle is being used.
Safety systems monitoring
The Ba indicator light in the instrument cluster
monitors the safety systems such as the airbags
(including the control modules, sensors, and wir-
ing) and the belt tensioners. It turns on when you
switch the ignition on and turns off after several
seconds.

If the Ea indicator light does not turn on when
the ignition is switched on, does not turn off af-
ter several seconds, or turns on or flashes while
driving, there may be a malfunction in one of the
safety systems. Drive to an authorized Audi deal-
er or authorized Audi Service Facility immediately
to have the malfunction corrected.

Z\ WARNING
Have the malfunction in the safety systems in-
spected immediately. Otherwise, there is a
risk that the systems may not activate during
an accident, which increases the risk of seri-
ous or fatal injury.

238
Correct passenger
seating positions
Proper seating position for the driver
The proper driver seating position is important
for safe, relaxed driving.

B4G-0375



Fig. 198 Correct seating position
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of in-
jury in the event of an accident, we recommend
that you adjust the driver's seat to the following
position:
> Adjust the driver's seat so that you can easily
push the pedals all the way to the floor while
keeping your knee(s) slightly bent > A\.
> Adjust the angle of the seatback so that it is in
an upright position so that your back comes in
full contact with it when you drive.
> Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a dis-
tance of at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the
steering wheel and your breast bone © fig. 198.
If not possible, see your authorized Audi deal-
ership about adaptive equipment.
> Adjust the steering wheel so that the steering
wheel and airbag cover points at your chest and
not at your face.
> Grasp the top of the steering wheel with your
elbow(s) slightly bent.
> For adjustable head restraints: Adjust the head
restraint so the upper edge is as even as possi-
ble with the top of your head. If that is not pos-
sible, try to adjust the head restraint so that it
is as close to this position as possible. Move the
head restraint so that it is as close to the back
of the head as possible.
> Fasten and wear safety belts correctly
=> page 248.

8V2012721BK
Driving safety

> Always keep both feet in the footwell so that
you are in control of the vehicle at all times.
For detailed information on how to adjust the
driver's seat, see > page 54.

ZA WARNING
Drivers who are unbelted, out of position or
too close to the airbag can be seriously injured
by an airbag as it unfolds. To help reduce the
risk of serious personal injury:
— Always adjust the driver's seat and the
steering wheel so that there are at least
10 inches (25 cm) between your breastbone
and the steering wheel.
— Always adjust the driver's seat and the
steering wheel so that there are at least
4 inches (10 cm) between the knees and the
lower part of the instrument panel.
— Always hold the steering wheel on the out-
side of the steering wheel rim with your
hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock posi-
tions to help reduce the risk of personal in-
jury if the driver's airbag inflates.
— Never hold the steering wheel at the
12 o'clock position or with your hands at
other positions inside the steering wheel
rim or on the steering wheel hub. Holding
the steering wheel the wrong way can cause
serious injuries to the hands, arms and head
if the driver's airbag inflates.
— Pointing the steering wheel toward your
face decreases the ability of the supplemen-
tal driver's airbag to protect you in a colli-
sion.
— Always sit in an upright position and never
lean against or place any part of your body
too close to the area where the airbags are
located.
— Before driving, always adjust the front seats
properly and make sure that all passengers
are properly restrained.
— For adjustable head restraints: before driv-
ing, always also adjust the head restraints
properly.
— Never adjust the seats while the vehicle is
moving. Your seat may move unexpectedly

and you could lose control of the vehicle.

— Never drive with the backrest reclined or tilt-
ed far back! The farther the backrests are
tilted
back, the greater the risk of injury due
to incorrect positioning of the safety belt
and improper seating position.
— Children must always ride in child seats
=> page 278. Special precautions apply when
installing a child seat on the front passenger
seat > page 253.
Proper seating position for the front
passenger
The proper front passenger seating position is
important for safe, relaxed driving.

For your own safety and to reduce the risk of in-
jury in the event of an accident, we recommend
that you adjust the seat for the front passenger
to the following position:
> Adjust the angle of the seatback so that it is in
an upright position and your back comes in full
contact with it whenever the vehicle is moving.
> For adjustable head restraints: adjust the head
restraint so the upper edge is as even as possi-
ble with the top of your head. If that is not pos-
sible, try to adjust the head restraint so that it
is as close to this position as possible
=> page 57. Move the head restraint so that it is
as close to the back of the head as possible.
> Keep both feet flat on the floor in front of the
front passenger seat.
> Fasten and wear safety belts correctly
=> page 248.
For detailed information on how to adjust the
front passenger's seat, see > page 54.

ZA\ WARNING
Front seat passengers who are unbelted, out
of position or too close to the airbag can be
seriously injured or killed by the airbag as it
unfolds. To help reduce the risk of serious per-
sonal injury:
— Passengers must always sit in an upright po-
sition and never lean against or place any
part of their body too close to the area
where the airbags are located. >

239

Driving safety


— Passengers who are unbelted, out of posi-
tion or too close to the airbag can be seri-
ously injured by an airbag as it unfolds with
great force in the blink of an eye.
— Always make sure that there are at least
10 inches (25 cm) between the front pas-
senger‘s breastbone and the instrument
panel.
— Always make sure that there are at least
4 inches (10 cm) between the front passen-
ger‘s knees and the lower part of the instru-
ment panel.
— Each passenger must always sit on a seat of
their own and properly fasten and wear the
safety belt belonging to that seat.
— Before driving, always adjust the front pas-
senger seat properly.
— For adjustable head restraints: before driv-
ing, always also adjust the head restraints
properly.
— Always keep your feet on the floor in front of
the seat. Never rest them on the seat, in-
strument panel, out of the window, etc. The
airbag system and safety belt will not be
able to protect you properly and can even in-
crease the risk of injury in a crash.
— Never drive with the backrest reclined or tilt-
ed far back! The farther the backrests are
tilted
back, the greater the risk of injury due
to incorrect positioning of the safety belt
and improper seating position.
— Children must always ride in child seats
= page 278. Special precautions apply when
installing a child seat on the front passenger
seat > page 253.

Proper seating positions for passengers in
israel -r- 1}
Rear seat passengers must sit upright with both
feet on the floor consistent with their physical
size and be properly restrained whenever the ve-
hicle is in use.
To reduce the risk of injury caused by an incorrect
seating position in the event of a sudden braking
maneuver or an accident, your passengers on the
rear bench seat must always observe the follow-
ing:
240
> For adjustable head restraints: adjust the head
restraint so the upper edge is as even as possi-
ble with the top of your head. If that is not pos-
sible, try to adjust the head restraint so that it
is as close to this position as possible
=> page 57.
> Keep both feet flat in the footwell in front of
the rear seat.
> Fasten and wear safety belts properly
=> page 248.
> Make sure that children are always properly re-
strained in a child restraint that is appropriate
for their size and age > page 278.

ZA WARNING
Passengers who are improperly seated on the
rear seat can be seriously injured in a crash.
— Each passenger must always sit on a seat of
their own and properly fasten and wear the
safety belt belonging to that seat.
— Safety belts only offer maximum protection
when the safety belts are properly posi-
tioned on the body and securely latched. By
not sitting upright, a rear seat passenger in-
creases the risk of personal injury from im-
properly positioned safety belts!
— For adjustable head restraints: always adjust
the head restraint properly so that it can

give maximum protection.
Examples of improper seating positions
The occupant restraint system can only reduce
the risk of injury if vehicle occupants are properly
seated.

Improper seating positions can cause serious in-
jury or death. Safety belts can only work when
they are properly positioned on the body. Im-
proper seating positions reduce the effectiveness
of safety belts and will even increase the risk of
injury and death by moving the safety belt to crit-
ical areas of the body. Improper seating positions
also increase the risk of serious injury and death
when an airbag deploys and strikes an occupant
who is not in the proper seating position. A driver
is responsible for the safety of all vehicle occu-
pants and especially for children. Therefore: >

Driving safety

1 Coley maar Mela Mealy -aed (el)
Always use floor mats that can be securely at-
tached to the floor mat fasteners and do not in-
terfere with the free movement of the pedals.
> Make sure that the floor mats are properly se-
cured and cannot move and interfere with the
pedals > A\.
Use only floor mats that leave the pedal area un-
obstructed and that are firmly secured so that
they cannot slip out of position. You can obtain
suitable floor mats from your authorized Audi
Dealer.
Floor mat fasteners are installed in your Audi.
Floor mats used in your vehicle must be attached
to these fasteners. Properly securing the floor
mats will prevent them from sliding into posi-
tions that could interfere with the pedals or im-
pair safe operation of your vehicle in other ways.

ZA\ WARNING
Pedals that cannot move freely can result ina
loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of
serious personal injury.
— Always make sure that floor mats are prop-
erly secured.
— Never place or install floor mats or other
floor coverings in the vehicle that cannot be
properly secured in place to prevent them
from slipping and interfering with the ped-
als or the ability to control the vehicle.
— Never place or install floor mats or other
floor coverings on top of already installed
floor mats. Additional floor mats and other
coverings will reduce the size of the pedal
area and interfere with the pedals.
— Always properly reinstall and secure floor
mats that have been taken out for cleaning.
— Always make sure that objects cannot fall in-
to the driver footwell while the vehicle is
moving. Objects can become trapped under
the brake pedal and accelerator pedal caus-
ing a loss of vehicle control.



242
Active rollover
protection system
Applies to: vehicles with power top
The rollover protection system protects vehicle
occupants in the event of a rollover.

B8V-0333

Fig. 199 Rear seats: rollbar deployment range

B8V-0334


Fig. 200 Rear seats: deployed rollbar
The active rollover protection system consists of:
— two rollbars
— the safety belts with belt tensioners
— the windshield frame
—the rollover sensors
The active rollover protection system provides
additional safety in the event of a rollover. Within
milliseconds, sensors deploy two rollbars located
behind the head restraints in the rear seats
© fig. 200.
The rollbars, reinforced windshield frame and
belt tensioners help protect front and rear pas-
sengers in the event of a rollover.
The rollover protection system functions when
the power top is both open and closed.

8V2012721BK
Safety belts

Safety belts
General notes
OCEANS Lae 15 aes
Wearing safety belts correctly saves lives!
This chapter explains why safety belts are neces-
sary, how they work and how to adjust and wear
them correctly.
> Read all the information that follows and heed
all of the instructions and WARNINGS.

ZA WARNING
Not wearing safety belts or wearing them im-
properly increases the risk of serious personal
injury and death.
— Safety belts are the single most effective
means available to reduce the risk of serious
injury and death in automobile accidents.
For your protection and that of your passen-
gers, always correctly wear safety belts
when the vehicle is moving.
— Pregnant women, injured, or physically im-
paired persons must also use safety belts.
Like all vehicle occupants, they are more
likely to be seriously injured if they do not
wear Safety belts. The best way to protect a
fetus is to protect the mother - throughout
the entire pregnancy.
NT Tae met)
Applies to: vehicles without power top: Your Audi
has a total of five seating positions: two in the
front and three in the rear. Each seating position
has a safety belt.


Applies to: vehicles with power top: Your Audi
has a total of four seating positions: two in the
front and two in the rear. Each seating position
has a safety belt.

ZA WARNING
Not wearing safety belts or wearing them im-
properly increases the risk of serious personal
injury and death.


— Never strap more than one person, including
small children, into any belt. It is especially
dangerous to place a safety belt over a child
sitting on your lap.
— Never let more people ride in the vehicle
than there are safety belts available.
— Be sure everyone riding in the vehicle is
properly restrained with a separate safety
belt or child restraint.
Safety belt warning light
Your vehicle has a warning system for the driver
and front seat passenger to remind you about
the importance of buckling-up.



B42-0526


Fig. 203 Safety belt warning light in the instrument clus-
ter - enlarged
Before driving off, always:
> Fasten your safety belt and make sure you are
wearing it properly.
> Make sure that your passengers also buckle up
and properly wear their safety belts.
> Protect children with a child restraint system
appropriate for the size and age.
The warning light in the instrument cluster
lights up when the ignition is on as a reminder to
fasten the safety belts. In addition, you will hear
a warning tone for a certain period of time.
Fasten your safety belt and make sure that your
passengers also properly put on their safety
belts.

Z\ WARNING
— Safety belts are the single most effective
means available to reduce the risk of serious
injury and death in automobile accidents. >


245

Safety belts


For your protection and that of your passen-
gers, always correctly wear safety belts
when the vehicle is moving.
— Failure to pay attention to the warning light
that come on, could lead to personal injury.


Why use safety belts?
ee meee Lem ee mele iN ley
Frontal crashes create very strong forces for peo-
ple riding in vehicles.

B4H-0465 4 §






B4H-0466


Fig. 205 The vehicle crashes into the wall
The physical principles are simple. Both the vehi-
cle and the passengers possess energy which var-
ies with vehicle speed and body weight. Engi-
neers call this energy “kinetic energy.”
The higher the speed of the vehicle and the
greater the vehicle's weight, the more energy
that has to be “absorbed” in the crash.
Vehicle speed is the most significant factor. If the
speed doubles from 15 to 30 mph (25 to
50 km/h), the energy increases 4 times!
Because the passengers of this vehicle are not us-
ing
safety belts > fig. 204, they will keep moving
at the same speed the vehicle was moving just
246
before the crash, until something stops them -
here, the wall > fig. 205.
The same principles apply to people sitting ina
vehicle that is involved in a frontal collision. Even
at city speeds of 20 to 30 mph (30 to 50 km/h),
the forces acting on the body can reach one ton
(2,000 lbs, or 1,000 kg) or more. At greater
speeds, these forces are even higher.
People who do not use safety belts are also not
attached to their vehicle. In a frontal collision
they will also keep moving forward at the speed
their vehicle was travelling just before the crash.
Of course, the laws of physics don't just apply to
frontal collisions, they determine what happens
in all kinds of accidents and collisions.
What happens to occupants not wearing
ical lieya
In crashes unbelted occupants cannot stop
themselves from flying forward and being in-
jured or killed. Always wear your safety belts!


Fig. 207 A rear passenger not wearing a safety belt will fly
forward and strike the driver
Unbelted occupants are not able to resist the tre-
mendous forces of impact by holding tight or >