SECTION 3 –
DRIVING YOUR MOTORHOME
3-2
Lap/Shoulder Belts
Fastening
Hold the belt just behind the tongue. Next,
bring the belt across the body and insert the
tongue into the buckle until the latch engages.
Unfastening
Press the release button in the buckle. Hold
onto the tongue when you release it from the
buckle to keep it from retracting too rapidly.
When the lap-shoulder belt is in use, the lap
belt must ride low across the hip area and the
shoulder belt must ride diagonally over the
shoulder toward the buckle.
The shoulder belt is designed to lock only
during a sudden stop, sudden body movement, or
a collision. At all other times it will move freely
with the occupant.
Seat Belt Care and Cleaning
•
Be careful not to damage the belt webbing and
hardware. Take care not to pinch them in the
seat or doors.
•
Inspect the belts and hardware periodically.
Check for cuts, frays, and loose parts.
Damaged parts should be replaced. Do not
remove or modify the belt system.
•
Keep belts clean and dry. If the belts need
cleaning, use only a mild soap and water
solution. Do not use hot water. Do not use
abrasive cleaners, bleach, or dyes. These
products may weaken the belts.
•
Replace any belt assembly that was used
during a severe impact. Replace the complete
assembly even if damage is not apparent.
CHILD RESTRAINTS
A properly installed and secured child
restraint system can help reduce the chance or
severity of personal injury to a child in an
accident or during a sudden maneuver. Children
may have a greater chance of being injured in an
accident if they are seated in a child restraint
system which is not properly secured. Children
are always safer in the rear seats (behind the cab
seats).
A child restraint system is designed to be
secured in a vehicle seat by a lap belt or the lap
belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt.
When purchasing a child restraint system,
follow these guidelines:
1. Look for the label certifying that it meets all
applicable safety standards.
2. Make sure that it will attach to your vehicle
and restrain your child securely and
conveniently so that you are able to install it
correctly each time it is used.
3. Be certain that it is appropriate for the child's
height, weight, and development. The
instructions and/or the regulation label
attached to the restraint typically provides this
information.
4. Review the instructions for installation and
use of the restraint. Be sure that you
understand them fully and can install the
restraint properly and safely in your vehicle.
WARNING
Snug and low belt positions are essential.
This will ensure that the force exerted by
the lap belt in a collision is spread over the
strong hip area and not across the
abdomen, which could result in serious
injury.
Only seats equipped with seat belts are to
be occupied while vehicle is in motion.
Swivel seats must be in the locked,
forward facing position while vehicle is in
motion.
WARNING
Never wear the shoulder belt in any
position other than as stated above.
Failure to do so could increase the
chance or extent of injury in a collision.
