1999 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 67

Rear seats D Never drive the vehicle with the head rests removed because they are designed to reduce the risk of serious neck injury in the event that the vehicle is struck from the rear. D Seat belts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seat belt in a collision, the seatbacks should be always used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If the seatbacks are not used in the upright position in a collision, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death. Especially when the occupant of the rear seat is a child, be sure to position the seatback upright. Children are more likely to slide under the lap belt than adults if the seatback is reclined in a collision. D Do not put cushions or any other materials between occupants and seatbacks or seat cushions. If you do so, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death. D Never allow passengers to ride on the folded rear seatback or in the cargo area. Doing so may result in serious injury. D Never stack luggage or other cargo higher than the top of the seatback because it could tumble forward and injure passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident. D Secure skis and other lengthy items properly to prevent them from shooting forward and causing serious injury during a sudden stop. WARNING 2-8