2000 Subaru Outback Owner's Manual - Page 37

Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags J Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) function When securing a child restraint system on the passengers' seats, the seatbelt must be changed over to the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode. When the child restraint system is removed, make sure that the retractor operates as an Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR). For instructions on how to convert the retractor to the ALR mode and restore it to the ELR mode, see the "Child restraint systems" section in this chapter. J Seatbelt warning light and chime Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver's seat. This device causes the seatbelt warning light on the instrument panel to light up for about six seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position to remind the driver to wear the seatbelt. If the driver's seatbelt is not fastened, a warning chime sounds at the same time. J Fastening the seatbelt D Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of injury. D Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back. If an accident occurs, this can increase the risk or severity of injury. D Keep the lap belt as low as possible on your hips. In a collision, this spreads the force of the lap belt over stronger hip bones instead of across the weaker abdomen. D Seatbelts provide maximum restraint when the occupant sits well back and upright in the seat. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seatbelt in a collision, the front seatbacks should be always used in the upright position while the vehicle is running. If the front seatbacks are not used in the upright position in a collision, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and of the lap belt slid- CONTINUED - WARNING 1-17