2004 Mazda MPV Owner's Manual - Page 22

Essential Safety Equipment Seats Second-Row Seats WARNING Unlocked Seatback: The seatback plays an important role in your protection in a vehicle. Leaving the seatback unlocked is dangerous as it can allow passengers to be ejected or thrown around and baggage to strike occupants in a sudden stop or collision, resulting in severe injury. After adjusting the seatback at any time, even when there are no other passengers, rock the seatback to make sure it is locked in place. Passenger on the Folded Seatback: Driving with a passenger on the folded seatback is dangerous. Allowing a child to sit on the folded seatback while the vehicle is moving is particularly dangerous. During sudden braking or even a minor collision, a child not restrained in a proper seat or child-restraint system and seat belt could be thrown forward, back or even out of the car resulting in serious injuries or death. The child or other objects in the cargo area could be thrown into other occupants and cause serious injury. Never allow a passenger to sit or stand on the folded seatback while the vehicle is moving. NOTE WARNING Stacking Cargo: Stacking luggage or other cargo higher than the seatback is dangerous. During a sudden stop or collision, objects can fly around and become projectiles that could hit and injure passengers. Don't stack cargo higher than the seatback. Not Securing Luggage and Cargo: Not securing cargo while driving is dangerous as they could move or be crushed in sudden braking or a collision and cause injury. Make sure luggage and cargo is secured before driving. Securing Seats: Adjustable seats that are not securely latched are dangerous. In a sudden stop or collision, the seat or seatback could move, causing injury. Make sure the adjustable components of the seat are locked in place by attempting to slide the seat forward and backward and rocking the seatback. Seat Adjustment: Adjusting the seat while the vehicle is moving is dangerous. Sudden braking or a collision could cause serious injury. Adjust the seat only when the vehicle is stopped. When returning a second-row seat to its original position, also replace the seat belt to its normal position. Verify that the seat belt pulls and retracts. 2-13