2005 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 15

Safety Correct position for safety belt WARNING Proper positioning of the safety belt is extremely important. • An out of position safety belt can result in the wearer sliding underneath the belt in a crash (submarining) and injury can result from the lap portion cutting into the abdomen. • Never fasten the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind the body or pull the belt off the shoulder and under the arm. • Two people must never share one safety belt. In the event of a crash those sharing a belt risk being crushed together and injured. Consider this: • Position the lap strap snugly and low across the hips so that it just touches the thighs. The shoulder strap must be as far in on the shoulder as possible. • Check to ensure that the belt is not twisted or rubbing against any sharp edges. • There should not be any slack in the belt. Pull the belt tight - particularly important when thick outer clothing is worn. It • 13 • • Correct seating position • • is advisable to remove thick items of clothing. Refrain from tilting the backrest more than necessary, as the safety belt provides better protection when the seat is in the more upright position. Only one person per safety belt! For most of the time a safety belt is worn, the retractor will allow the wearer freedom of movement. The retractor locks up automatically if the belt is jerked or withdrawn sharply, the car tilts, the brakes are applied hard or a crash occurs. Children up to 6 years of age must always be seated in a child seat. Saab recommends the use of a child seat for children up to the age of 10. Children who have grown out of a child seat should be restrained by the car's standard three-point belts. Make sure that the shoulder belt is not in contact with the neck or throat. If it is, a booster seat/cushion may be necessary.