Subaru Forester: Seating and safety restraints / Important safety precautions

Throughout this section and the rest of this manual, you will find important safety recommendations, operating guidelines, and warnings intended to help you drive and travel more safely.

The precautions described in this section are among the most critical and should always be followed whenever the Kia Telluride is in operation.

Always wear your seat belt

Your seat belt provides the primary level of protection during virtually every type of collision. Air bags are engineered to work together with properly fastened seat belts—they are not designed to replace them. Even if your Kia Telluride is equipped with multiple advanced air bag systems, ALWAYS buckle your seat belt before driving and confirm that every passenger is wearing the appropriate restraint correctly before the vehicle begins moving.

Restrain all children

Children younger than 13 years of age should always ride properly restrained in a rear seating position rather than in the front passenger seat. Infants and small children must be secured in a child restraint system that is appropriate for their age, height, and weight. Older children should continue using a booster seat together with the lap/shoulder seat belt until the vehicle's seat belt fits correctly without additional support. Always follow all applicable State and Federal child passenger safety laws and regulations.

Air bag hazards

Although air bags are designed to help protect occupants and can significantly reduce injuries during many types of crashes, they can also cause serious or even fatal injuries if an occupant sits too close to the deployment area or is not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and smaller adults are particularly vulnerable to air bag deployment forces. Carefully follow every warning and instruction provided in this manual to help ensure the air bag system functions as intended.

Driver distraction

Driver distraction is one of the leading causes of serious and potentially fatal crashes, particularly among less experienced drivers. Safe driving must always remain the highest priority whenever you are behind the wheel. Common distractions include fatigue, reaching for objects inside the vehicle, eating or drinking, personal grooming, conversations with passengers, and using mobile electronic devices.

Whenever a driver removes their eyes from the road, their hands from the steering wheel, or their attention from surrounding traffic, the risk of a collision increases. To minimize distractions and help ensure safe operation of your Kia Telluride:

• ALWAYS configure mobile devices, including phones, MP3 players, navigation systems, and similar equipment, only while the vehicle is safely parked or completely stopped.

• ONLY use mobile devices when permitted by applicable laws and only when road and traffic conditions allow safe operation. NEVER send text messages or emails while driving. Many states prohibit texting behind the wheel, and some jurisdictions also restrict or prohibit the use of handheld mobile phones.

• NEVER allow a phone or any other electronic device to divert your attention from driving. You are responsible for the safety of your passengers, other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Keep both hands on the steering wheel whenever possible and maintain your full attention on the road ahead.

Control your speed

Driving at excessive speeds remains one of the most significant contributors to collision-related injuries and fatalities. As vehicle speed increases, both stopping distance and crash severity increase as well. Serious accidents can occur even at relatively low speeds. Always operate your Kia Telluride at a speed that is appropriate for current road, weather, visibility, and traffic conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Keep your Kia in safe condition

A tire failure or unexpected mechanical problem can create a dangerous driving situation without warning. To help reduce the likelihood of these events, inspect your tires regularly for proper inflation, tread wear, and visible damage, and ensure that all scheduled maintenance is completed at the recommended intervals. Keeping your Kia Telluride properly maintained contributes to reliable performance, safer operation, and greater confidence every time you drive.