1999 Subaru Legacy Owner's Manual - Page 97

Seat, seat belt and SRS AIRBAG Seat belt safety tips D All persons in the vehicle should fasten their seat belts BEFORE the vehicle starts to move. Otherwise, the possibility of serious injury becomes greater in the event of a sudden stop or accident. D All belts should fit snugly in order to provide full restraint. Loose fitting belts are not as effective in preventing or reducing injury. D Each seat belt is designed to support only one person. Never use a single belt for two or more persons - even children. Otherwise, in an accident, serious injury or death could result. D Replace all seat belt assemblies including retractors and attaching hardware worn by occupants of a vehicle that has been in a serious accident. The entire assembly should be replaced even if damage is not obvious. J Infants or small children Use a child restraint system that is suitable for your vehicle. See information on "Child Restraint System" in this chapter. J Children If a child is too big for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and be restrained using the seat belts. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. Never allow a child to stand up or kneel on the seat. If the shoulder portion of the belt crosses the face or neck, move the child closer to the center of vehicle to help provide a good shoulder belt fit. If the shoulder portion of the belt cannot be properly positioned, a child restraint system should be used. If that is not possible, the child should sit in the center rear seat and use the 2-point type seat belt. Care must be taken to securely place the lap belt as low as possible on the - CONTINUED - WARNING 2-23