Adjusting the seats so that you are sitting in a safe, comfortable position plays an important role in driver and passenger safety together with the seat belts and air bags in an accident.
WARNING
Do not use a cushion that reduces friction between the seat and the passenger. The passenger's hips may slide under the lap portion of the seat belt during an accident or a sudden stop. Serious or fatal internal injuries could result because the seat belt cannot operate properly.
Air bags
You can take steps to reduce the risk of being injured by an inflating air bag. Sitting too close to an air bag greatly increases the risk of injury in the event the air bag inflates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers allow 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 an inflating air bag, take the following precautions:
Seat belts
Always fasten your seat belt before starting any trip.
At all times, passengers should sit upright and be properly restrained. Infants and small children must be restrained in appropriate child restraint systems. Adults and children who have outgrown a booster seat must be restrained using the seat belts.
WARNING
Take the following precautions when adjusting your seat belt:
Seat belt warning light
As a reminder to the driver, the seat belt warning light will illuminate and warning chime will sound for approximately 6 seconds each time you place the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position if the seat belt is unfastened.