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Seats
& Restraint Systems
Larger Children
(CONT.)
Wherever the child sits, the lap portion
of
the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the child's thighs.
This applies belt force to the child's
pelvic bones in a crash.
Safety Belt Extender
If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use
it.
The
automatic lap-shoulder belt has plenty of
extra length built in, so
it will
fasten
around almost all people.
But if a safetybelt isn't long enough to
fasten, your dealer will order you an
extender. It's free. When you go in to
order
it,
take the heaviest coat'you will
wear, so the extender will be long enough
for you. The extender will be just for you,
and just for the seat in your vehicle that
you choos'e. Don't let someone else use it,
and use
it
only for the .seat
it
is made to
fit.
To wear
it,
just attach it to the regular
safety belt.
Checking Your
Restraint Systems
Now and then, make sure all your belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors,
anchorages and reminder systems are
working properly. Look for any loose
parts or damage. If you see anything that
might keep a restraint system from doing
its job, have
it
repaired.
Replacing Safety Belts
After a
.
.
Crash
[f you've had a crash, do you need new
belts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may
be necessary. But if the belts were
stretched, as they would be if worn during
a
more severe crash, then you need new
belts
.
For passenger sedans, if you ever see a
label on a right front safety belt that says
to replace the belt, be sure to do so. Then
the new belt will be there to help protect
you in an accident. You would see this
label on the belt near the'latch plate.
If belts are cut or damaged, replace them.
Collision damage also may mean you will
need to have safety belt or seat parts
repaired or replaced. New parts and
repairs may be necessary even if the belt
wasn't being used at the time of the
collision.
If your seat adjuster won't work after a
crash, the special part of the safety belt
that goes through the seat'to the adjuster
may need to be- replaced.
. .
.42
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