2004 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 19

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 8 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM Essential Safety Equipment Seat Belt Systems Seat Belt Precautions Seat belts help to decrease the possibility of severe injury during accidents and sudden stops. Mazda recommends that the driver and all passengers always wear seat belts. All of the seat belt retractors are designed to keep the lap/shoulder belts out of the way when not in use. The driver's seat belt has no provisions for child-restraint systems and has only an emergency locking mode. The driver may wear it comfortably, and it will lock during a collision. However, the front passenger's seat and all rear lap/shoulder belt retractors operate in two modes: emergency locking mode, and for child-restraint systems, automatic locking mode. WARNING Not Wearing Seat Belts: Not wearing a seat belt is extremely dangerous. During a collision, occupants not wearing seat belts could hit someone or things inside the vehicle or even be thrown out of the vehicle. They could be seriously injured or even killed. In the same collision, occupants wearing seat belts would be much safer. Always wear your seat belt and make sure all occupants are properly restrained. Seat Belt Damaged During an Accident: Using a damaged seat belt is dangerous. An accident could damage the belt webbing of the seat belt in use. A damaged seat belt cannot provide adequate protection in a collision. Whether a front seat was occupied or not, if the front air bags deployed the pretensioners also deployed and both front seat belts must be replaced. Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect all seat belt systems in use during an accident before they are used again. Twisted Seat Belts: Twisted seat belts are dangerous. In a collision, the full width of the belt isn't available to absorb the impact. This puts more force on the bones beneath the belt, which could break them or cause other serious injury or death. Don't wear twisted seat belts. 2-8 Form No. 8R65-EA-03C