WARNING!
•
A lap belt worn too high can increase the risk of injury in a collision
.
The seat belt
forces won’t be at the strong hip and pelvic bones, but across your abdomen
.
Al-
ways wear the lap part of your seat belt as low as possible and keep it snug
.
•
A twisted seat belt may not protect you properly
.
In a collision, it could even cut
into you
.
Be sure the seat belt is flat against your body, without twists
.
If you can’t
straighten a seat belt in your vehicle, take it to your authorized dealer immediately
and have it fixed
.
•
A seat belt that is buckled into the wrong buckle will not protect you properly
.
The lap portion could ride too high on your body, possibly causing internal injuries
.
Always buckle your seat belt into the buckle nearest you
.
•
A seat belt that is too loose will not protect you properly
.
In a sudden stop, you
could move too far forward, increasing the possibility of injury
.
Wear your seat belt
snugly
.
•
A seat belt that is worn under your arm is dangerous
.
Your body could strike the
inside surfaces of the vehicle in a collision, increasing head and neck injury
.
A seat
belt worn under the arm can cause internal injuries
.
Ribs aren’t as strong as shoul-
der bones
.
Wear the seat belt over your shoulder so that your strongest bones
will take the force in a collision
.
•
A shoulder belt placed behind you will not protect you from injury during a colli-
sion
.
You are more likely to hit your head in a collision if you do not wear your
shoulder belt
.
The lap and shoulder belt are meant to be used together
.
•
A frayed or torn seat belt could rip apart in a collision and leave you with no pro-
tection
.
Inspect the seat belt system periodically, checking for cuts, frays, or loose
parts
.
Damaged parts must be replaced immediately
.
Do not disassemble or
modify the seat belt system
.
Seat belt assemblies must be replaced after a colli-
sion
.
GETTING STARTED
19
