2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 27

Essential Safety Equipment Seats Rear seat qActive Head Restraints The active head restraints are equipped on the front seats. In a rear-end collision, the active head restraints use the force applied by the occupant on the seatback to instantaneously move the head restraints in the forward direction, reducing excessive rearward tilting of the head and reducing the load on the neck. The active head restraints are also highly effective at reducing whip-lash injuries which commonly occur in rear-end collisions at low to mid-range vehicle speeds. Removal/Installation To remove the head restraint, pull it up while pressing the stop-catch. To install the head restraint, press the uprights into the holes while pressing the stop-catch. WARNING Always drive with the head restraints set up when seats are being used and make sure they are properly set up: Driving with the head restraints not set up is dangerous. With no support behind your head, your neck could be seriously injured in a collision. WARNING Ø Always adjust the head restraints properly as specified in this section. Failure to do so can reduce the effectiveness of the active head restraint. Ø Do not attach any accessories such as a TV screen to a front seatback and/or a front head restraint. Also do not place heavy items or thick items, or both in the seatback pocket. Doing so could reduce the effectiveness of the active head restraint in a rear-end collision. 2-13