Safety Features of Your Vehicle

Child Restraint System (CRS)

~2min read

Children under the age of 13 should always ride in the rear seat and should always be properly restrained to minimize the risk of injury in a crash, sudden stop, or sharp maneuver. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. Older children who are not in a child restraint should use one of the seat belts provided.

In most countries, child restraint laws require that children travel in approved child restraint systems.

Laws governing the age or height/weight limits at which seat belts may be used instead of child restraints vary by country, so you should be aware of the specific requirements in your country and where you travel. Child and/or infant safety seats must be properly positioned and installed in the rear seat. You must use a commercially available child restraint system that meets the safety standards of your country.

Child restraint systems are generally designed to be secured to vehicle seats using the seat belt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) anchorages and/or tether anchors.

Children can be seriously injured or killed in an accident if they are not properly restrained. Infants and small children must use a child safety seat or booster seat. Before buying a specific child restraint system, make sure it is compatible with your vehicle's seat and seat belts and suitable for your child. Follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer when installing the child restraint system.

WARNING - Mounting Location

Never install a rear-facing infant seat or child seat in the front passenger seat.

A child riding in the front passenger seat may be seriously injured by the deploying airbag.

WARNING - Hot Child Restraint

A child restraint system can become very hot if left in a closed vehicle on a sunny day. Always check the seat cover, buckles, and latches before placing a child in the restraint system.

If a child restraint is not in use, store it in the luggage compartment or secure it with the seat belt so that it will not be thrown forward in a sudden stop or accident.

WARNING - Holding Children

Never hold a child in your arms or on your lap while the vehicle is in motion. The violent forces generated in a collision will tear the child from your arms and throw the child against the interior of the vehicle. Always use a child restraint system suitable for your child's height and weight.

WARNING - Using Seat Belts

Do not use one seat belt for two occupants at the same time. This will eliminate or significantly reduce the safety benefits provided by the seat belts for the occupants.

Test yourself

A quick Kia Rio YB quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.