1998 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 47

Rear seats- -Adjusting seatback angle CAUTION -Folding up rear seats D Adjustments should not be made while the vehicle is moving. D To reduce the risk of sliding under the lap belt during a collision, avoid reclining the seatback any more than needed. The seat belts provide maximum protection when the passengers are sitting up straight and well back in the seats. If you are reclined, the lap belt may slide past your hips and apply restraint forces directly to the abdomen. Therefore, in the event of a frontal collision, the risk of personal injury may increase with increasing recline of the seatback. Lean forward and pull the lock release lever. Then lean back to the desired angle and release the lever. BEFORE FOLDING REAR SEAT Stow the rear seat belts as shown in the illustration. This prevents the belts from falling out when you fold the seatback. D After adjusting the seatback, exert body pressure to make sure it is locked in position. NOTICE The seat belts must be stowed before you fold the seatback. 39