1999 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 88

Seat, seat belt and SRS AIRBAG *SRS AIRBAG (Supplemental Restraint System Airbag) *SRS: This stands for supplemental restraint system. This name is used because the AIRBAG system supplements the vehicle's seat belts. J Vehicle with driver's and front passenger's SRS AIRBAGs and lap/shoulder restraints D To obtain maximum protection in the event of an accident, the driver and all passengers in the vehicle should always wear seat belts when the vehicle is moving. The SRS AIRBAG does not do away with the need to fasten seat belts. In combination with the seat belts, it offers the best combined protection in case of a serious accident. Not wearing a seat belt increases the chance of severe injury or death in a crash even when the car has the SRS AIRBAG. For instructions and precautions concerning the seat belt system, see the sections 3-point Type Seat Belts and 2-point Type Seat Belts in this chapter. D Do not sit or lean unnecessarily close to the SRS AIRBAG. The SRS AIRBAG deploys with considerable speed - faster than the blink of an eye - and force to protect in high speed collisions. However, the force of an SRS AIRBAG can injure an occupant whose body is too close to SRS AIRBAG. It is also important to wear your seat belt to help avoid injuries that can result when the SRS AIRBAG contacts an occupant not in proper position such as one thrown toward the front of the car during pre-accident braking. D The SRS AIRBAGs deploy with considerable speed and force. Occupants who are out of proper position when the SRS AIRBAG deploys could suffer very serious injuries. Because the SRS AIRBAG needs enough space for deployment, the driver should always sit upright and well back in the seat as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full - CONTINUED - WARNING 2-29