Safety features of your vehicle
163
SEAT BELTS
Seat belt restraint system
WARNING
• For maximum restraint sys-
tem protection, the seat belts
must always be used whenev-
er the vehicle is moving.
• Seat belts are most effective
when seatbacks are in the
upright position.
• Children age 12 and under
must always be properly
restrained in the rear seat.
Never allow children to ride in
the front passenger seat. If a
child over 12 must be seated
in the front seat, he/she must
be properly belted and the
seat should be moved as far
back as possible.
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• Never wear the shoulder belt
under your arm or behind
your back. An improperly
positioned shoulder belt can
cause serious injuries in a
crash. The shoulder belt
should be positioned midway
over your shoulder across
your collarbone.
• Avoid wearing twisted seat
belts. A twisted belt can't do
its job well. In a collision, it
could even cut into you. Be
sure the belt webbing is
straight and not twisted.
• Be careful not to damage the
belt webbing or hardware. If
the belt webbing or hardware
is damaged, replace it.
WARNING
Seat belts are designed to bear
upon the bony structure of the
body, and should be worn low
across the front of the pelvis or
the pelvis, chest and shoulders,
as applicable; wearing the lap
section of the belt across the
abdominal area must be avoided.
Seat belts should be adjusted as
firmly as possible, consistent
with comfort, to provide the pro-
tection for which they have been
designed.
A slack belt will greatly reduce
the protection afforded to the
wearer.
Care should be taken to avoid
contamination of the webbing
with polishes, oils and chemicals,
and particularly battery acid.
Cleaning may safely be carried
out using mild soap and water.
The belt should be replaced if
webbing becomes frayed, con-
taminated or damaged.
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