Adjusting Front Seats
Before driving, adjust the seat to the proper position so that you can easily control the steering wheel, foot pedals and controls on the instrument panel.
To prevent serious injury or death:
-
NEVER attempt to adjust the seat while the vehicle is moving. The seat could respond with unexpected movement and may cause loss of vehicle control resulting in a collision.
-
Do not place anything under the front seats. Loose objects, including unsecured floor mats, in the driver's foot area could interfere with the operation of the foot pedals.
-
Do not allow anything to interfere with the normal position and proper locking of the seatback.
-
Do not place a cigarette lighter on the floor or seat.
-
Use extreme caution when picking up small objects trapped under the seats or between the seat and the center console. Your hands might be cut or injured by the sharp edges of the seat mechanism.
-
If there are occupants in the rear seats, be careful while adjusting the front seat.
-
Make sure that the seat is locked in place after the adjustment. If not, the seat might move unexpectedly.
-
NEVER ride with a reclined seatback when the vehicle is moving.
-
Riding with a reclined seatback increases your chance of serious or fatal injuries in the event of a collision or sudden stop.
-
Driver and passengers should always sit well back in their seats, properly belted, and with the seatbacks upright.
To prevent injury:
-
Do not adjust your seat while wearing your seat belt. Moving the seat cushion forward may cause strong pressure on your abdomen.
-
Do not allow your hands or fingers to get caught in the seat mechanisms while the seat is moving.
Sitting in a reclined position when the vehicle is moving can be dangerous. Even when buckled up, the effectiveness of the restraint system (seat belts and/or airbags) is greatly reduced by reclining your seatback.
Seat belts must be snug against your hips and chest to work properly. When the seatback is reclined, the shoulder belt cannot function properly because it will not be snug against your chest. Instead, it will be in front of you. During a collision, you could be thrown into the seat belt, causing neck or other injuries.
The more the seatback is reclined, the greater chance the passenger's hips will slide under the lap belt or the passenger's neck will strike the shoulder belt.