2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 30

30 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE occupant early in a collision. Pretensioners work for all size occupants, including those in child restraints. NOTE: These devices are not a substitute for proper seat belt placement by the occupant. The seat belt still must be worn snugly and positioned properly. The pretensioners are triggered by the airbag control module. Like the airbags, the pretensioners are single use items. After a collision that is severe enough to deploy the airbags and pretensioners, both must be replaced. Front Lap Belts The center seating positions have a lap belt only. To fasten the lap belt, slide the latch plate into the buckle until you hear a click. To lengthen the lap belt, tilt the latch plate and pull. To remove slack, pull the loose end of the webbing. Wear the lap belt snug against the hips. Sit back and erect in the seat, then adjust the belt as tightly as is comfortable. WARNING! • A lap belt worn too loose or too high is dangerous. • A belt worn too loose can allow you to slip down and under the belt in a collision. • A belt that is too loose or too high will apply crash forces to the abdomen, not to the stronger hip bones. In either case, the risk of internal injuries is greater. Wear a lap belt low and snug. Seat Belts and Pregnant Women We recommend that pregnant women use seat belts throughout their pregnancies. Keeping the mother safe is the best way to keep the baby safe. Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt across the thighs and as snug against the hips as possible. Keep the belt low so that it does not come across the abdomen. That way the strong bones of the hips will take the force if there is a collision.