2004 Dodge Dakota Owner's Manual - Page 40

40 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR VEHICLE with a front shield and are held in the vehicle by the lap portion.) For further information refer to www.seatcheck.org. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your child restraint: • Before buying any restraint system, make sure that it has a label certifying that it meets all applicable Safety Standards. We also recommend that you make sure that you can install the child restraint in the vehicle where you will use it before you buy it. • The restraint must be appropriate for your child's weight and height. Check the label on the restraint for weight and height limits. • Carefully follow the instructions that come with the restraint. If you install the restraint improperly, it may not work when you need it. • The passenger seat belts are equipped with cinching latch plates, which are designed to keep the lap portion tight around the child restraint so that it is not necessary to use a locking clip. Pulling up on the shoulder portion of the lap/shoulder belt will tighten the belt. The cinching latch plate will keep the belt tight, however, any seat belt system will loosen with time, so check the belt occasionally and pull it tight if necessary. WARNING! • Improper installation can lead to failure of an infant or child restraint. It could come loose in a collision. The child could be badly injured or killed. Follow the manufacturers directions exactly when installing an infant or child restraint. • A rearward facing child restraint should only be used in a rear seat, or in the front seat if the passenger's front airbag is Off. If the airbag is left On, a rearward facing child restraint in the front seat may be struck by a deploying passenger airbag which may cause severe or fatal injury to the infant.