Safety system
3-44
Seat belt use and children
Infant and small children
Most countries have Child Restraint
System laws which require children to
travel in approved Child Restraint System
devices, including booster seats. The age
at which seat belts can be used instead
of Child Restraint System differs among
countries, so you should be aware of the
specific requirements in your country,
and where you are travelling. Infant and
Child Restraint System must be properly
placed and installed in a rear seat.
For more information refer to the “Child
Restraint Systems” section in this
chapter.
WARNING
ALWAYS properly restrain infants and
small children in a Child Restraint
System appropriate for the child’s
height and weight.
To reduce the risk of serious injury or
death to a child and other passengers,
NEVER hold a child in your lap or arms
when the vehicle is moving. The violent
forces created during an accident will
tear the child from your arms and throw
the child against the interior of the
vehicle.
Small children are best protected
from injury in an accident when
properly belted in the rear seat by a
Child Restraint System that meets the
requirements of the Safety Standard of
your country. Before buying any Child
Restraint System, make sure that it has
a label certifying that it meets Safety
Standard of your country.
The Child Restraint System must be
appropriate for your child’s height and
weight. Check the label on the Child
Restraint System for this information.
Refer to “Child Restraint Systems” in this
chapter.
Larger children
Children under age 13 and who are
too large for a booster seat should
always occupy the rear seat and use the
available lap/shoulder belts. A seat belt
should lie across the upper thighs and
be snug across the shoulder and chest
to restrain the child safely. Check belt fit
periodically. A child’s squirming could
put the belt out of position. In the event
of an accident, children are afforded
the best safety belted by a proper Child
Restraint System in the rear seats.
If a larger child over age 13 must be
seated in the front seat, the child must
be securely belted by the available lap/
shoulder belt and the seat should be
placed in the rearmost position.
If the shoulder belt portion slightly
touches the child’s neck or face, try
placing the child closer to the centre
of the vehicle. If the shoulder belt still
touches their face or neck, they need to
be returned to an appropriate booster
seat in the rear seat.
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