Before driving the Toyota Tacoma, make sure that every occupant is properly seated and wearing a seat belt. Correct use of the seat belts is an essential part of occupant protection and helps reduce the risk of serious injury during sudden braking, abrupt steering maneuvers, or a collision.
WARNING Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving, or an accident. Make sure each occupant understands the importance of using the seat belt correctly whenever the vehicle is in motion.
Failure to follow these precautions may result in death or serious injury.
Wearing a seat belt
- Ensure that all passengers wear a seat belt whenever the Toyota Tacoma is being driven. Do not begin driving until every occupant is properly restrained.
- Always wear a seat belt properly, making sure that it is correctly positioned and is not twisted or improperly routed across the body.
- Each seat belt should be used by one person only. Never use a single seat belt for more than one person at the same time, including children, as this can significantly reduce the protection provided by the restraint system.
- Toyota recommends that children be seated in the rear seat and always use a seat belt and/or an appropriate child restraint system. The restraint used should be suitable for the child and installed and used correctly.
- To maintain a proper seating position, do not recline the seatback more than necessary. The seat belt provides the greatest protection when occupants are sitting upright and well back against their seats. Excessive reclining can prevent the belt from remaining in the intended position across the body.
- Do not wear the shoulder belt under your arm. The shoulder portion should remain correctly positioned across the upper body.
- Always position the lap portion of your seat belt low and snug across your hips rather than higher across the abdomen. Check the belt position after fastening it and adjust it if necessary.
Pregnant women
Pregnant occupants should obtain medical advice regarding seat belt use and wear the seat belt in the proper manner. The belt should remain securely fastened whenever the Toyota Tacoma is being driven.
Women who are pregnant should position the lap belt as low as possible across the hips in the same manner as other occupants, while extending the shoulder belt completely over the shoulder. The shoulder belt should be positioned so that belt contact with the rounded abdominal area is avoided as much as possible while maintaining proper restraint.
If the seat belt is not worn correctly, both the pregnant woman and the fetus could suffer death or serious injury as a result of sudden braking, abrupt vehicle movement, or a collision. Follow medical advice concerning the appropriate use and positioning of the seat belt during pregnancy.
People suffering illness
Occupants who are suffering from an illness or medical condition should obtain medical advice regarding the appropriate use of the seat belt and wear the restraint in the proper way. Any medical recommendations should be considered before traveling in the vehicle.
Seat belt damage and wear
- Do not damage the seat belts by allowing the belt webbing, plate, or buckle to become trapped or jammed in the door. Before closing a door, check that no part of the seat belt is positioned where it could be pinched or damaged.
- Inspect the Toyota Tacoma seat belt system periodically. Check the belt webbing and related components for cuts, fraying, loose parts, or other visible damage. Do not use a damaged seat belt until it has been replaced. A damaged seat belt may not provide adequate protection and could fail to protect an occupant from death or serious injury during an accident.
- Ensure that the belt and plate
are securely locked and that the belt is not
twisted after fastening it.
If a seat belt does not latch, retract, release, or otherwise function correctly, immediately contact your Toyota dealer and have the system inspected before relying on that seating position.
- Replace the seat assembly, including the applicable seat belts, if the vehicle has been involved in a serious accident, even when there is no obvious visible damage. Components may have been subjected to forces that are not apparent during a basic visual inspection.
- Do not attempt to install, remove, modify, disassemble, repair, or dispose of the seat belts yourself. Have any necessary repairs or replacement work carried out by your Toyota dealer. Inappropriate handling or modification may lead to incorrect operation of the restraint system and reduce the protection it is designed to provide.
