Reclined and Out-of-Position Occupants
Last modified: Aug 05, 2026
Reclined and out-of-position occupants are people whose posture or location differs from the intended travel position used by the seat, belt, head restraint, and airbags. Reclining can increase the shoulder-belt gap and change pelvis, torso, and airbag geometry; slouching or sitting too close creates different mismatches, and correct belt fit does not make every recline angle crash-approved, so follow the vehicle manual; see Child Restraints and Seat Safety.