Use of seat belts and children

Infants and children

In most countries, child restraint laws are in force requiring children to travel in approved child seats, including booster seats. The ages for which child restraints may be used in place of child seats differ from country to country, so you must know the specific regulations in force both in your own country and in the countries you will travel to. Infant and child seats must be correctly positioned and installed in the rear seat. For more information, refer to "Child Restraint Systems" in this section.

WARNING ALWAYS restrain infants and small children properly in child seats suitable for the child's height and weight. To reduce the risk of serious injury or death to the child or other passengers, NEVER hold a child on your lap while the vehicle is in motion. The violent forces generated in a crash can tear the child from your arms and throw the child inside the vehicle.

Small children are best protected from injury in a crash when properly secured in the rear seat with a suitable system that meets the country's safety standards. Before buying such a device, make sure it has a label certifying compliance with the country's safety standards. The device must be suitable for the child's height and weight. Check the label on the child restraint for this information. Refer to "Child Restraint Systems" in this section.

Older children

Children under 13 years of age who are too large for a booster seat must always occupy the rear seat and use the available seat belts. A lap belt must pass across the thighs and the shoulder belt must lie snugly between the shoulder and chest to restrain the child securely.

Check the belt fit periodically. The child's movements may move the belt out of position.

In a crash, children are best protected when secured with a suitable device and/or the seat belt in the rear seat.

If an older child (over 13 years) must sit in the front seat, secure them with the available seat belt and move the seat to the rearmost position possible.

If the upper part of the belt lightly touches the child's neck or face, move the child closer to the center of the vehicle.

If it still touches the child's face or neck, a suitable booster seat must be used.

WARNING - Always make sure that seat belts for older children are worn and properly adjusted. - NEVER allow the shoulder belt to contact the child's neck or face. - Do not allow more than one child to wear a single seat belt.

Use of seat belts and injured persons

Always use the seat belt when transporting an injured person.

Consult a doctor for specific advice.

One person per seat belt

Never use a seat belt for two persons (including children). This may increase the risk of injury in a crash.