2005 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 19

Safety The safety belt pretensioners are not activated by vehicle rollover. • Never fasten the safety belt with the shoulder belt behind the body or pull the belt off the shoulder and under the arm. • If two people share a belt, they risk injury by being crushed together in the event of a crash. • 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 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 a 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 The retractor locks up automatically if the belt is jerked or withdrawn sharply, the car tilts, the brakes are applied hard or a crash occurs.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. 17 WARNING If the car is involved in a crash, the safety belts, belt pretensioners and other components must be inspected by an authorized Saab dealer and replaced as necessary. Never make any alterations or repairs to the safety belt yourself. Visit an authorized Saab dealer for any necessary repairs. Correctly positioned safety belt • 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. 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 occupant sliding underneath the belt in a crash (submarining) and injury can result from the lap portion cutting into the abdomen. IB410