2004 Mazda MPV Owner's Manual - Page 30

Essential Safety Equipment Seats WARNING Unlocked Seatback: The 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. 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. NOTE • The third-row seat cannot be removed. • When returning the third-row seat to its original position, also place the seat belt in its normal position. Verify that the seat belt pulls and retracts. M Seat Recline WARNING Reclining: Sitting in a reclined position while the vehicle is moving is dangerous because you don't get the full protection from seat belts. During sudden braking or a collision, you can slide under the lap belt and suffer serious internal injuries. For maximum protection, sit well back and upright. To change seatback angle, lean forward slightly while pulling the flat-folding strap. Then lean back to the desired position and release the strap. Make sure the seat is securely latched. Flat-folding strap 2-21