Essential Safety Equipment; Seat Belt Systems; Seat Belt Precautions- Page 17

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Essential Safety Equipment

Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G

Seat Belt Systems

Seat belts help to decrease the possibility of severe injury during accidents and sudden 
stops. Mazda recommends that the driver and all passengers always wear seat belts.

All of the seat belt retractors are designed to keep the lap/shoulder belts out of the way 
when not in use.

The driver’s seat belt has no provisions for child-restraint systems and has only an 
emergency locking mode. The driver may wear it comfortably, and it will lock during a 
collision.

However, the front passenger’s seat and rear lap/shoulder belt retractors operate in two 
modes: emergency locking mode, and for child-restraint systems, automatic locking mode.

Seat Belt Precautions

Not Wearing Seat Belts:
Not wearing a seat belt is extremely dangerous. During a collision, occupants not 
wearing seat belts could hit someone or things inside the vehicle or even be thrown 
out of the vehicle. They could be seriously injured or even killed. In the same 
collision, occupants wearing seat belts would be much safer. Always wear your seat 
belt and make sure all occupants are properly restrained.

Seat Belt Damaged During an Accident:
Using a damaged seat belt is dangerous. An accident could damage the belt webbing 
of the seat belt in use. A damaged seat belt cannot provide adequate protection in a 
collision. Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect all seat belt systems in use during 
an accident before they are used again.

Twisted Seat Belts:
Twisted seat belts are dangerous. In a collision, the full width of the belt isn’t 
available to absorb the impact. This puts more force on the bones beneath the belt, 
which could break them or cause other serious injury or death. Don’t wear twisted 
seat belts.

WARNING

J94S.book  Page 9  Saturday, June 23, 2001  1:04 PM