2000 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 17

Rear Seats CAUTION: Sitting in a reclined position when your vehicle is in motion can be dangerous. Even if you buckle up, your safety belts can't do their job when you're reclined like this. The shoulder belt can't do its job because it won't be against your body. Instead, it will be in front of you. In a crash you could go into it, receiving neck or other injuries. The lap belt can't do its job either. In a crash the belt could go up over your abdomen. The belt forces would be there, not at your pelvic bones. This could cause serious internal injuries. For proper protection when the vehicle is in motion, have the seatback upright. Then sit well back in the seat and wear your safety belt properly. Folding Rear Seat Head Restraints Slide the head restraint up or down so that the top of the restraint is closest to the top of your ears. This position reduces the chance of a neck injury in a crash. To open the folding rear seat, open the trunk and pull one or both of the tethers located on the left side of the trunk. The left tether will open the larger side of the seatback. The right tether will open the smaller side of the seatback. Once a tether is pulled, the seatback can be pushed open through the trunk, or pulled open from inside the vehicle. To close the split folding rear seat, push the seatback up until you hear a click. Then pull on the seatback to make sure it is secure. 1-5