1999 Honda Civic Owner's Manual - Page 25

Protecting Children If You Must Drive with Several Children Your car has three seating positions in the back seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry more than three children in your car: Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly (see page 37). 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 18). 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 the back seat. The back seat is far safer for a child than the front. Additional Safety Precaution Do not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and 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