This section of the manual describes how to use safety belts properly. It also describes some things not to do with safety belts.
WARNING
Do not let anyone ride where a safety belt cannot be worn properly. In a crash, if you or your passenger(s) are not wearing safety belts, injuries can be much worse than if you are wearing safety belts. You can be seriously injured or killed by hitting things inside the vehicle harder or by being ejected from the vehicle. In addition, anyone who is not buckled up can strike other passengers in the vehicle.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, passengers riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow passengers to ride in any area of the vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts.
Always wear a safety belt, and check that all passenger(s) are restrained properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a reminder to buckle the safety belts.
Why Safety Belts Work

When riding in a vehicle, you travel as fast as the vehicle does. If the vehicle stops suddenly, you keep going until something stops you.
It could be the windshield, the instrument panel, or the safety belts! When you wear a safety belt, you and the vehicle slow down together.
There is more time to stop because you stop over a longer distance and, when worn properly, your strongest bones take the forces from the safety belts. That is why wearing safety belts makes such good sense.
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts
Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle after a crash if I am wearing a safety belt?
A:
You could be— whether you are wearing a safety belt or not.
Your chance of being conscious during and after a crash, so you can unbuckle and get out, is much greater if you are belted.
Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why should I have to wear safety belts?
A:
Airbags are supplemental systems only; so they work with safety belts— not instead of them. Whether or not an airbag is provided, all occupants still have to buckle up to get the most protection.
Also, in nearly all states and in all Canadian provinces, the law requires wearing safety belts.
Rear Seats
How to Wear Safety Belts ProperlyFloor Mats
WARNING
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not properly installed, it can interfere
with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can cause unintended acceleration and/or increased
stopping distance which can cause a crash and injury. Make sure the floor mat does
not interfere with the p ...
StabiliTrak® Syste
The StabiliTrak system assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. The system is on when the vehicle is started.
• To turn off both Traction Control and StabiliTrak, press and hold
until
and
illuminate in the instrument cluster.
• Press again to turn o ...
Roof Side Rail Inflatable Restraint Module Replacement
Warning: In order to prevent SIR deployment, personal injury, or
unnecessary SIR system repairs, do not strike the door or the
door pillar in the area of the side impact sensor (SIS). Turn OFF the ignition
and remove the key when performing service in the
area of the SIS.
Warning: When pe ...