2003 Mazda Protege Owner's Manual - Page 16

J39L_EA.book Page 5 Saturday, June 8, 2002 5:35 PM Essential Safety Equipment Seats Rear Seat WARNING Passenger on the Folded Seatback: Driving with a passenger on the folded seatback is dangerous. Allowing a child to sit up on the folded seatback while the vehicle is moving is particularly dangerous. In a sudden stop or even a minor collision, a child not in a proper seat or child-restraint system and seat belt could be thrown forward, back or even out of the car resulting in serious injuries or death. The child or other objects in the baggage area could be thrown into other occupants and cause serious injury. Never allow a passenger to sit or stand on the folded seatback while the vehicle is moving. Children and the Folding Rear Seats: Playing with the folding rear seats is dangerous. Once the seats are back up, a child in the trunk would not be able to get out the way they had entered. If you have small children, keep the seatbacks locked (sedan). Do not give the car keys to children and do not allow them to play in the vehicle. NOTE WARNING Stacking Cargo: Stacking luggage or other cargo higher than the seatbacks, and putting things on the rear package tray or on the luggage compartment cover is dangerous. During sudden braking or a collision, objects can become projectiles that may hit and injure passengers. Don't stack things higher than the seatbacks or put things on the rear package tray or on the luggage compartment cover. Securing Seats: Adjustable seats and seatbacks that are not securely locked are dangerous. In a sudden stop or collision, the seat or seatback could move, causing injury. Make sure the adjustable components of the seat are locked in place by attempting to slide the seat forward and backward and rocking the seatback. Unlocked Seatback: A seatback plays an important role in your protection in a vehicle. Leaving the seatback unlocked is dangerous as it can allow passengers to be ejected or thrown around and baggage to strike occupants in a sudden stop or collision, resulting in severe injury. After adjusting the seatback at any time, even when there are no other passengers, rock the seatback to make sure it is locked in place. When returning a rear seat to its original position, also replace the seat belt to its normal position. Verify that the seat belt pulls and retracts. 2-5 Form No. 8Q94-EA-02G