Seats & Safety System
3-2
You will find many safety precautions
and recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
The safety precautions in this section are
among the most important.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
A seat belt is your best protection in all
types of accidents. Airbags are designed
to supplement seat belts, not to replace
them. So even though your vehicle is
equipped with airbags, always make sure
you and your passengers wear your seat
belts, and wear them properly.
Restrain All Children
All children under age 13 should ride
in your vehicle properly restrained in a
rear seat, not the front seat. Infants and
small children should be restrained in
an appropriate Child Restraint System.
Larger children should use a booster
seat with the lap/shoulder belt until they
can use the seat belt properly without a
booster seat.
Airbag Hazards
While airbags can save lives, they can
also cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them, or
who are not properly restrained. Infants,
young children, and short adults are at
the greatest risk of being injured by an
inflating airbag. Follow all instructions
and warnings in this manual.
Driver Distraction
Driver distraction presents a serious and
potentially deadly danger, especially for
inexperienced drivers. Safety should be
the first concern when behind the wheel
and drivers need to be aware of the wide
array of potential distractions, such as
drowsiness, reaching for objects, eating,
personal grooming, becoming distracted
from other passengers, and using mobile
phones.
Drivers can become distracted when
they take their eyes and attention off
the road or their hands off the wheel to
focus on activities other than driving.
To reduce your risk of distraction and an
accident:
ś Set up your mobile devices (for
example, MP3 players, phones,
navigation units, etc.) ONLY when
your vehicle is safely stopped and
parked.
ś ONLY use your mobile device when
allowed by laws and conditions
permit safe use. NEVER text or email
while driving. Most states have laws
prohibiting drivers from texting while
driving. Some states and cities also
prohibit drivers from using handheld
phones while driving.
ś NEVER let the use of a mobile device
distract you from driving. You have a
responsibility to your passengers and
others on the road to always drive
safely, with your hands on the wheel
as well as your eyes and attention on
the road.
Never Drink or Take Drugs and
Drive.
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs can
reduce your ability to respond to
changing conditions and emergencies.
Do not drink or take drugs and drive, and
do not let your friends drink or take drugs
and drive.
Control Your Speed
Excessive speed is a major factor in crash
injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher
the speed, the greater the risk, but
serious injuries can also occur at lower
speeds. Never drive faster than is safe
for current conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS