2006 Subaru Forester Owner's Manual - Page 41

1-12 Seat, seatbelt and SRS airbags systems" section in this chapter. NOTE If the driver unfastens the seatbelt after fastening, the seatbelt warning device operates as follows according to the vehicle speed. At speeds lower than approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) The warning light will alternate between flashing and steady illumination at 15-second intervals. The chime will not sound. At speeds higher than approximately 9 mph (15 km/h) The warning light will alternate between flashing and steady illumination at 15-second intervals and the chime will sound while the warning light is flashing. It is possible to cancel the warning operation that follows the 6-second warning after turning ON the ignition switch by unfastening and refastening the driver's seatbelt. When the ignition switch is turned ON next time, however, the complete sequence of warning operation resumes. For further details about canceling the warning operation, please contact your SUBARU dealer. Fastening the seatbelt Seatbelt warning light and chime Your vehicle is equipped with a seatbelt warning device at the driver's seat, as required by current safety standards. There is a seatbelt warning light in the combination meter. If the driver has not yet fastened the seatbelt when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position, the seatbelt warning light will flash for 6 seconds, to warn that the seatbelt is unfastened. If the driver's seatbelt is not fastened, a chime will also sound simultaneously. If the driver's seatbelt is still not fastened 6 seconds later, the warning light will remain lit for 15 seconds. If the driver's seatbelt is still not fastened even 15 seconds later (21 seconds after turning ON the ignition switch), the warning lights will alternate between flashing and steady illumination at 15-second intervals, and the chime will sound while the warning light is flashing. Alternate flashing and steady illumination of the warning lights and sounding of the chime will continue until the driver fastens the seatbelt. Never use a belt that is twisted or reversed. In an accident, this can increase the risk or severity of injury. 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. 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 sliding up over the abdomen will increase, and both can result in serious internal injury or death.