1997 Lexus SC 300 Owners Manual - Page 70

SEAT BELTS, SRS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS SEAT BELTS Seat belt precautions Lexus strongly urges that the driver and passengers in the vehicle be properly restrained at all times with the seat belts provided. Failure to do so could increase the chance of injury and/or the severity of injury in accidents. Child. Use a child restraint system appropriate for the child until the child becomes large enough to properly wear the vehicle's seat belts. See "Child restraint" for details. If a child is too large for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and must be restrained using the vehicle's seat belt. According to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. If a child must sit in the front seat, the seat belts should be worn properly. Do not let the child sit in your lap. It does not provide sufficient restraint. If an accident occurs and the seat belts are not worn properly, the force of the rapid inflation of the airbag may cause severe injury to the child. Do not allow the child to stand up or kneel on either rear or front seats. An unrestrained child could suffer serious injury during emergency braking or a collision. If the shoulder belt falls across the child's neck or face, move the child to the center position and use the center lap belt. Pregnant woman. Lexus recommends the use of a seat belt. Ask your doctor for specific recommendations. The lap belt should be worn securely and as low as possible over the hips and not the waist. Injured person. Lexus recommends the use of a seat belt. Depending on the injury, first check with your doctor for specific recommendations. ! CAUTION Persons should ride in their seats properly wearing their seat belts whenever the vehicle is moving. Otherwise, they are much more likely to suffer serious bodily injury in the event of sudden braking or a collision. When using the seat belts, observe the following: S Use the belt for only one person at a time. Do not use a single belt for two or more people - even children. S Avoid reclining the seatbacks too much. The seat belts provide maximum protection when the seatbacks are in the upright position. (See "Adjusting seatback angle.") S Be careful not to damage the belt webbing or hardware. Take care that they do not get caught or pinched in the seat or doors. S Inspect the belt system periodically. Check for cuts, fraying, and loose parts. Damaged parts should be replaced. Do not disassemble or modify the system. 62