1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 196

If you put things inside your vehicle like suitcases, -tools, packages or anything else-- they will go as fastas the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they'll going. keep D o not loadyour vehicle anyheavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do,parts on your vehicle can break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you to lose control. Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. Things you put inside your vehicle can strike and injurepeople in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash. Put things in the rear areaof your vehicle. Try to spread the weight evenly. Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats. 0 Don't leave an unsecured child restraint in your vehicle. When you carry something inside the vehicle, secure it whenever you can. Don't leave a seat folded down unless you need to. 4-31