Safety Precautions

Adjusting the seats so that you sit in a safe and comfortable position plays an important role in the safety of the driver and passengers, together with the seat belts and airbags in a collision.

WARNING

Do not use a cushion that reduces friction between the seat and the occupant. The occupant's hips may slide under the lap portion of the seat belt during a collision or sudden stop. This may result in serious or fatal internal injuries, because the seat belt cannot function properly.

Airbags

You can take steps to reduce the risk of injury from airbag deployment. Sitting too close to the airbag significantly increases the risk of injury if the airbag inflates.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers keep at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and their chest.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of serious injury or death from airbag deployment, observe the following precautions:

• Move the driver's seat as far back as possible while still maintaining full control of the vehicle.
• Adjust the front passenger seat as far back as possible.
• Hold the steering wheel by the rim with your hands at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions to minimize the risk of injury to the hands and arms.
• NEVER place anything or anyone between the steering wheel and the airbag.
• Do not allow the front passenger to place feet on the instrument panel to minimize the risk of leg injury.

Seat Belts

Always fasten the seat belt before starting any trip.

Passengers must always sit upright and be properly restrained. Infants and small children must be secured in appropriate child restraint systems. Adults and children who have outgrown a booster must be secured with the seat belts.

WARNING

When adjusting the seat belt, observe the following precautions:

• NEVER use one seat belt for more than one passenger.
• Always keep the seat back upright with the lap portion of the belt snug and low on the hips.
• NEVER allow children or small infants to ride on a passenger's lap.
• Do not route the seat belt across the neck, over sharp edges, or redirect the shoulder belt away from the body.
• Do not allow the seat belt to become pinched or trapped.