Children riding in the car should sit in the rear seat and must always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury in an accident, sudden stop or sudden maneuver. According to accident statistics provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats than in the front seat. Larger children not in a child restraint should use one of the seat belts provided.

All 50 states have child restraint laws. You should be aware of the specific requirements in your state. Child and/or infant safety seats must be properly placed and installed in the rear seat. You must use a commercially available child restraint system that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

Child restraint systems are designed to be secured in vehicle seats by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap/shoulder belt, or by a LATCH system.

Children could be injured or killed in a crash if their restraints are not properly secured.

For small children and babies, a child seat or infant seat must be used. Before buying a particular child restraint system, make sure it fits your car seat and seat belts, and fits your child. Follow all the instructions provided by the manufacturer when installing the child restraint system.

WARNING:

o A child restraint system must be placed in the rear seat. Never install a child or infant seat on the front passenger's seat.

Should an accident occur and cause the passenger side airbag to deploy, it could severely injure or kill an infant or child seated in an infant or child seat. Thus, only use a child restraint in the rear seat of your vehicle.

o Since a safety belt or child restraint system can become very hot if it is left in a closed vehicle, be sure to check the seat cover and buckles before placing a child there.

WARNING:

o When the child restraint system is not in use, store it in the trunk or fasten it with a safety belt so that it will not be thrown forward in case of a sudden stop or an accident.

o Children may be seriously injured or killed by an inflating airbag. All children, even those too large for child restraints, must ride in the rear seat. To reduce the chance or serious or fatal injuries: o Children of all ages are safer when restrained in the rear seat. A child riding in the front passenger seat can be forcefully struck by an inflating airbag resulting in serious or fatal injuries.

o Always follow the instructions for installation and use of the child restraint maker.

o Always make sure the child seat is secured properly in the car and your child is securely restrained in the child seat.

WARNING:

o Never hold a child in your arms or lap when riding in a vehicle. The violent forces created during a crash will tear the child from your arms and throw the child against the car’s interior.

o Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child causing serious internal injuries.

o Never leave children unattended in a vehicle – not even for a short time. The car can heat up very quickly, resulting in serious injuries to children inside. Even very young children may inadvertently cause the vehicle to move, entangle themselves in the windows, or lock themselves or others inside the vehicle.

o Never allow two children, or any two persons, to use the same seat belt.

o Children often squirm and reposition themselves improperly. Never let a child ride with the shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back. Always properly position and secure children in rear seat.

WARNING:

o Never allow a child to stand-up or kneel on the seat or floorboard of a moving vehicle. During a collision or sudden stop, the child can be violently thrown against the vehicle's interior, resulting in serious injury.

o Never use an infant carrier or a child safety seat that "hooks" over a seatback, it may not provide adequate security in an accident.

o Seat belts can become very hot, especially when the car is parked in direct sunlight. Always check seat belt buckles before fastening them over a child.

o Always store or secure a child seat, even when it is not in use. During a collision or sudden stop, the child seat could be thrown inside the vehicle.

• Using a Child Restraint System with the "Tether Anchorage" System
• Securing the Child Restraint Seat with the "Child Seat Lower Anchor" system
• Child Restraint System Installation on Rear Seat Center Position
• Child Restraint System Installation on Outboard Rear Seats
• Pre-Tensioner Seat Belt