2000 Honda Odyssey Owner's Manual - Page 26

Protecting Children If You Must Drive with Several Children Your vehicle has two rows of back seats where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry a group of children (when carpooling for example), and a child must ride in front: Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly (see page 39). Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page 12). Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page 19). Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 15). 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 the child to hazards from the airbag, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, placing both of you at risk. If a child requires physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in a back seat. The 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 85). Do not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces, 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