1998 Honda Odyssey Owner's Manual - Page 23

Protecting Children If a Child Requires Close Attention Many parents say they prefer to put an infant or small child in the front passenger seat so they can watch the child, or because the child requires attention. Placing a child in the front seat exposes them to hazards from the airbag, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, creating serious safety risks. If a child requires physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in a back seat. A back seat is far safer for a child than the front. Additional Safety Precautions Use childproof door locks to prevent children from opening the doors. Using this feature will prevent children from opening the doors and accidentally falling out (see page 72 ). Use the main power window switch to prevent children from opening the rear windows. Using this feature will prevent children from playing with the windows, which could expose them to hazards or distract the driver (see page 82 ). Do not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and can be very hazardous. For example, infants and small children left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heatstroke. And children left alone with the key in the ignition can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others. Driver and Passenger Safety