1998 Ford Contour Owner's Manual - Page 64

Seating and safety restraints CHILDREN AND SAFETY RESTRAINTS To prevent the risk of injury, make sure children sit where they can be properly restrained. Whenever possible, put children in one of the rear seats in your vehicle. Accident statistics indicate that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seats than in the front seats. Do not leave children, unreliable adults, or pets unattended in your vehicle. Safety belts and seats can become hot in a vehicle that has been closed up in sunny weather; they could burn a small child. Check seat covers and buckles before you place a child anywhere near them. It is extremely dangerous to ride in a cargo area, inside or outside of a vehicle. In a collision, people riding in these areas are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Do not allow people to ride in any area of your vehicle that is not equipped with seats and safety belts. Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat and using a safety belt properly. 64