1997 Ford Explorer Owner Guide 1st Printing - Page 95

Seating and safety restraints Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating position. Children and safety belts Children who are too large for child safety seats (as specified by your child safety seat manufacturer) should always wear safety belts. Follow all the important safety restraint and air bag precautions that apply to adult passengers in your vehicle. If the shoulder belt portion of a combination lap and shoulder belt can be positioned so it does not cross or rest in front of the child's face or neck, the child should wear the lap and shoulder belt. Moving the child closer to the center of the vehicle may help provide a good shoulder belt fit. If the shoulder belt cannot be properly positioned: • move the child to one of the seats with a lap belt only (if equipped) OR • if the child is the appropriate size, restrain the child in a safety seat. Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle. 96