1998 Nissan Maxima Owner's Manual - Page 15

SSS0096 ¼ The supplemental air bags ordinarily will not inflate in the event of a side impact, rear impact, roll over, or lower severity frontal collision. Always wear your seat belts to help reduce the risk or severity of injury in various kinds of accidents. ¼ The seat belts and the supplemental air bags are most effective when you are sitting well back and upright in the seat. Supplemental air bags inflate with great force. If you are unrestrained, leaning forward, sitting sideways or out of position in any way, you are at greater risk of injury or death in a crash and may also receive serious or fatal injuries from the supplemental air bag if you are up against it when it inflates. Always sit back against the seatback and use the seat belts. 1-8 Seats, restraints and supplemental air bag systems