Before Driving - Mazda 3 Owner's Manual

Do not place an object such as a cushion between the seatback and your back:
Putting an object such as a cushion between the seatback and your back is dangerous
because you will be unable to maintain a safe driving posture and the seat belt cannot
function at its full capacity in a collision, which could result in a serious accident, injury or
death.
Do not place objects under the seat:
The object could get stuck and cause the seat to not be fi xed securely, and result in an
accident.
Do not stack cargo higher than the seatbacks:
Stacking luggage or other cargo higher than the seatbacks is dangerous. During sudden
braking or a collision, objects can fl y around and become projectiles that may hit and
injure passengers.
Make sure luggage and cargo is secured before driving:
Not securing cargo while driving is dangerous as it could move or be crushed during
sudden braking or a collision and cause injury.
Never allow a passenger to sit or stand on the folded seatback while the vehicle is
moving:
Driving with a passenger on the folded seatback is dangerous. Allowing a child to sit up
on the folded seatback while the vehicle is moving is particularly dangerous. In a sudden
stop or even a minor collision, a child not in a proper seat or child-restraint system and
seat belt could be thrown forward, back or even out of the vehicle resulting in serious
injuries or death. The child in the baggage area could be thrown into other occupants
and cause serious injury.
Never give the car keys to children and do not allow them to play in the vehicle (4–
Door):
Playing with the folding rear seats is dangerous. Once the seatbacks are back up, a child
in the trunk would not be able to get out the way they had entered. If you have small
children, keep the seatbacks locked.
Always leave your car locked and keep the car keys safely away from children (4–
Door):
Leaving your car unlocked or the keys in reach of children is dangerous. Children who fi nd
their way into the trunk through an unlocked rear seatback or an open trunk can become
accidentally locked in the trunk. This could result in death or brain damage from heat
prostration, particularly in the summer. Always lock the doors and the trunk, and as an
added measure, keep the rear seatbacks locked, whether you have children in your home
or not.
Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
2–3