2004 Honda Accord Owner's Manual - Page 39

Protecting Children General Guidelines 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 in a frontal collision, 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 Precautions Never hold an infant or child on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in crash, you could be thrown forward and crush the child against the dashboard or a seat-back. If you are wearing a seat belt the child can be torn from your arms and be seriously hurt or killed. Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries. If You Must Drive with Several Children Your vehicle has a back seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front: Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear the lap/shoulder belt properly (see page 51 ). Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible. Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page 16 ). Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 14 ). 38 Driver and Passenger Safety