Black plate (9,1)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual - 2012
Seats and Restraints
3-9
WARNING (Continued)
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.
See
Safety Belt Reminders on
page 5
‑
12
for additional information.
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.