1997 Honda Odyssey Owner's Manual - Page 5

Your Occupant Protection System Your Honda is equipped with seat belts and other features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. Seat belts are the most important part of your occupant protection system. When worn properly, seat belts can reduce the chance of serious injury or death in a crash. For added protection during a severe frontal collision, your Odyssey has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with airbags for the driver and a front seat passenger. Two indicator lights are also part of your safety system. One reminds you to make sure you and your passengers wear seat belts. The other alerts you to a possible problem with your supplemental restraint system (see page 16). The seats, head restraints and door locks also play a role in occupant safety. For example, reclining the seat-back can decrease the effectiveness of your seat belt. Head restraints can help protect your neck and head, especially during rear-end impacts. Door locks help keep your doors from being accidentally opened during a crash. To get the maximum protection from your occupant protection system, check the following before you drive away: Everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt properly (see page 7). Infants and small children are properly secured in child safety seats (see page 20). All doors and the tailgate are closed and locked (see page 19). Seat-backs are upright and head restraints are properly adjusted (see pages 18 and 55). There are no loose items that could be thrown around and hurt someone during a crash or sudden stop (see page 19). By following these guidelines, you can reduce injuries to yourself and your passengers in many crash situations. Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes. Driver and Passenger Safety