Pontiac 1998 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 37

The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on
the hips, just touching the
thighs.
In a crash, this applies
force
to
the strong pelvic bones. And you'd be less likely
to slide under the lap belt. If you slid under it, the belt
would apply force at your abdomen. This
could
cause
serious or even fatal injuries. The shoulder
belt
should go
over the shoulder and across the chest. These parts of the
body are best able to take belt restraining forces.
r
You can be seriously hurt if your shoulder belt is
too loose. In a crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase injury. The
shoulder belt should fit against your body.
The safety belt locks if there's a sudden stop or a crash.
To unlatch the belt, just push the button on the buckle.
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