If you're like me, there's been a point in your life when you've gotten drunk and thought to yourself, "Wouldn't it be awesome to use that new cutoff saw I just bought to transform my Mercedes S-Class into the hottest convertible on the planet," only to find that when doing so, there was no indication as to where the correct spots to start cutting were located.

Thankfully, for those of us who prefer the wind rustling through our hair as we traverse our nation's roadways, Mercedes has addressed the issue on the latest S-Class rendition, offering owners of the 2007 model guide marks to show exactly where they need to cut to make the dream a reality.

According to the press release, imbedded in the black shading at the edge of the windshield and the rear window are lines that show where the heavily reinforced roof and “A” and “C” pillars can be cut safely. The result, of course, is a droptop version of Mercedes' preeminent flagship sedan.

Alright, so maybe the press release states that the lines on the S-Class' shading are to show rescue workers where to cut should its occupants ever become pinned in the event of an accident, but for those of us who occasionally succumb to the influence of alcohol, it sounds like a party just waiting to happen.

For more info on Mercedes implementation of cut marks on the latest S-Class as well as a look at numerous other vehicle safety features, keep scrolling for the full press release.





OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


MERCEDES-BENZ PIONEERS NEW ACCIDENT RESCUE MEASURES

New-Generation S-Class Features Roof-Pillar Cut Lines For Rescue Workers

MONTVALE, NJ – The new-generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan is the first-ever car that comes with lines marking where the roof pillars should be cut if occupants are ever pinned in the car after a serious collision. Imbedded in the black shading at the edge of the windshield and the rear window, the lines show rescue workers the points where the heavily reinforced roof and “A” and “C” pillars can be cut safely.

Those markings complement the comprehensive rescue guidelines that Mercedes-Benz makes available without charge. While the guidelines on its web site at www.mbusa.com are most often used for training of rescue workers, they can provide a wealth of helpful information for any interested consumer.

From Air Bags to Mirrors

The company’s web site includes easy-to-use diagrams showing air bag and battery location for various Mercedes-Benz model families. Especially important when fire is involved, the diagrams also show the location of magnesium parts, ETR seat belt tensioners and auxiliary batteries that are used on some models. And, since auto-dimming mirrors contain a thin layer of corrosive electro-chromic liquid, even the identifying dot on all auto-dimming mirrors is called out as a caution to rescue workers.

The guidelines cover many of the high-tech Mercedes-Benz features that should be considered in an accident rescue. For example, an easy-entry-exit feature that moves the seat and steering wheel might need to be turned off during a rescue, and workers can learn the basics of the optional Keyless Go system that can unlock and turn off the car without needing a key.
The information includes instructions about removal of head restraints, including the Mercedes-Benz active head restraint system, as well as cautions about working near the pop-up roll bar that is standard equipment on some convertible models.

Tele Aid to the Rescue

Another key element of post-accident care covered on the site is Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid – an emergency calling system that might have helped summon the rescue team in the first place. Standard on many Mercedes-Benz models and optional on the others, Tele Aid automatically uses the cellular phone network to establish contact with a trained response specialist if a collision deploys any emergency seatbelt tensioner or air bag in the vehicle. Simultaneously, the system transmits the location of the vehicle via GPS satellites. The response specialist can then notify the nearest appropriate emergency service and help guide them to the vehicle. After responding to the emergency, the response specialist also can notify the owner’s designated emergency contacts. And, vehicle occupants (or rescue workers) can contact a response specialist at any time simply by pushing a button marked “SOS.”

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