1998 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 13

Protecting Adults 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs Sitting too close to an airbag can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always sit as far back from the airbags as possible. Most shorter drivers can get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the pedals. However, if you are concerned about sitting too close, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help. Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it forward and back to make sure the seat is locked in position. See page 74 for how to adjust the front seats. possible. If the passenger sits too close to the dashboard, they could be injured if the airbag inflates. Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against an occupant's chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt and being seriously injured in a crash. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury. Adjust the driver's seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. If you sit too close to the steering wheel, you could be injured if the airbag inflates. A front passenger should also adjust the seat-back to an upright position, but as far from the dashboard as Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat. See page 75 for how to adjust seatbacks. Driver and Passenger Safety