Honda Accord 2018 Hybrid Owner's Manual page 8

SAFETY
Seat Belts
A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are
designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your
vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always
wear your seat belts and wear them properly.
Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts
n
All five seating positions are equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts with
emergency locking retractors. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move
freely while keeping some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden
stop, the retractor locks to restrain your body. The rear seat belts also have
a lockable retractor for use with child seats.
The front seats are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners to enhance
safety. The tensioners automatically tighten the front seat belts during a
moderate to severe frontal collision, sometimes even if the collision is not
severe enough to inflate the front airbags.
Proper Use of Seat Belts
n
Follow these guidelines for proper use:
• All occupants should sit upright, well back in the seat, and remain in that
position for the duration of the trip. Slouching and leaning reduce the
effectiveness of the belt and can increase the chance of serious injury in
a crash.
• Never place the shoulder part of a lap/shoulder seat belt under your arm
or behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.
• Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be
very seriously injured in a crash.
• Do not put any accessories on the seat belts. Devices intended to improve
comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the
protective capability and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.
• No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt or one that does
not appear to be working correctly. Using a seat belt that is not working
properly may not protect the occupant in a crash. Have a dealer check the
belt as soon as possible.
WARNING
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of a serious injury
or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them
properly.
8 |
Seat Belt Inspection
n
Regularly check the condition of your seat belts as follows:
• Pull each belt out fully and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.
• Check that the latches and buckles work smoothly and the belts retract
easily. If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning the belt may correct
the problem. Use only mild soap and warm water. Do not use bleach or
cleaning solvents. Make sure the belt is completely dry before allowing
it to retract.
Any belt that is not in good condition or working properly will not provide
proper protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level
of protection in a subsequent crash. Have your seat belts inspected by a
dealer after any collision.
WARNING
Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or
death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed.
Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon
as possible.
Fastening a Seat Belt
n
Adjust your seat to the proper position (see page 41) and then follow the
below steps:
1. Pull the seat belt out slowly.
Pull out
slowly
Latch
plate
Buckle
SAFETY
Pull out
slowly
2. Insert the latch plate into the
buckle, then tug on the belt to
make sure the buckle is secure.
Make sure that the belt is not
twisted or caught on anything.
Latch
plate
Buckle
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Lap belt as