Child restraint system*

Child restraint systems are not only recommended in the Kia Opirus but are required by law. The vehicle offers optimal conditions for the safe installation of modern child seats, especially on the rear seat. The information on selecting, installing and checking the seat helps parents avoid mistakes. The chapter also emphasizes how important it is to guide the belt correctly over the child's shoulder and hip to ensure the best possible protection.

Always use suitable restraint systems for infants and small children travelling in the vehicle. The restraint system used must be suitable for the size of the child and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's user instructions.

For safety reasons, it is recommended to install child restraint systems exclusively on the rear seat. Always fasten children travelling in the vehicle properly to minimize the risk of injury in the event of an accident, emergency braking or an unexpected driving maneuver.

Accident statistics show that children are safest when properly belted on the rear seat rather than on the front passenger seat. Fasten children who have outgrown child seats with the standard vehicle seat belts.

The use of child restraint systems is required by law.

Therefore, always use suitable child restraint systems for children travelling in the vehicle.

Children can be seriously or fatally injured in a collision if the child seat is not properly secured. Before purchasing a child restraint system, check whether the system is suitable for your vehicle and can be secured with the existing seat belts. When installing a child restraint system, observe all user instructions from the respective manufacturer.

• Install child restraint systems only on the rear seats. Never install a child restraint system on the front passenger seat. If the front passenger airbag deploys in a collision, a child in a child restraint system on the front passenger seat could be seriously or fatally injured. Therefore, install child restraint systems exclusively on the rear seats.
• Because both child seats and seat belts can become very hot in a parked and closed vehicle, always check the temperature of the child seat and buckles before placing a child in a child seat.
• When a child seat is not in use, store it in the luggage compartment while driving, or secure it with the seat belts so that it cannot be thrown around the vehicle in the event of emergency braking or an accident.
• Secure children who are too large for child seats with the standard seat belts on a seat of the rear bench seat. Never allow children to ride in the front passenger seat.
• Always make sure that the shoulder belt of a three-point belt runs across the center of the shoulder, but never across the neck or behind the back. Positioning the child slightly toward the center of the vehicle can help the shoulder belt sit correctly. Always route the lap belt portion of a three-point belt, or the lap belt on the center rear seat, as low as possible and as comfortably as possible across the child's hips.
• If seat belts cannot be positioned correctly on an older child, we recommend using a booster seat so that the seat belt can be fitted correctly.
• Never allow a child to kneel or stand on the seat while the vehicle is in motion.
• Never use a child restraint system that is simply hung over the seatback. In the event of an accident, such a suspension may not be secure enough.
• Never allow a person to hold a child in their arms while the vehicle is in motion. This could result in serious injury to the child in the event of hard braking or an accident. A child held in arms while the vehicle is in motion is completely unprotected in an accident, even if the person holding the child is wearing a seat belt.

The Kia Opirus 2003–2011 places special emphasis on the safety of its youngest passengers. Child restraint systems can be installed easily and securely on the rear seats and provide optimum protection on every journey.

The combination of modern vehicle technology and clear safety information helps parents secure their children in the best possible way. This makes the Kia Opirus an ideal family vehicle.

Where should child seats be installed in the Kia Opirus 2003–2011?
Child seats should always be installed on the rear seats, not on the front passenger seat.

Why is correct installation of the child seat so important?
Only a correctly installed seat provides maximum protection in an accident.