2002 Lexus ES 300 Owners Manual - Page 146

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT Child restraint system A child restraint system for a small child or baby must itself be properly restrained on the seat with the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt. You must carefully consult the manufacturer 's instructions which accompany the child restraint system. To provide proper restraint, use a child restraint system following the manufacturer 's instructions about the appropriate age and size of the child for the child restraint system. Install the child restraint system correctly following the instructions provided by its manufacturer. General directions are also provided under the following illustrations. The child restraint system should be installed on the rear seat. According to accident statistics, the child is safer when properly restrained in the rear seat than in the front seat. D A forward−facing child restraint system should be allowed to be installed on the front passenger seat only when it is unavoidable. Always move the seat as far back as possible, because the force of the deploying front passenger airbag could cause death or serious injury to the child. D On vehicles with side airbags and curtain shield airbags, do not allow the child to lean over the front door or around the front door even if the child is seated in a child restraint system. It is dangerous if the side airbag and curtain shield airbag inflate, because the impact could cause death or serious injury to the child. D After installing the child restraint system, make sure it is secured in place according to the manufacturer's instructions. If it is not restrained securely, it may cause death or serious injury to the child in the event of a sudden stop or accident. When not using the child restraint system, keep it secured with the seat belt or place it in the trunk or somewhere other than in the passenger compartment. This will prevent it from injuring passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident. CAUTION D Never install a rear−facing child restraint system on the front seat. In the event of an accident, the force of the rapid inflation of the airbag can cause death or serious injury if a rear−facing child restraint system is installed on the front seat. D Unless it is unavoidable, do not install a forward−facing child restraint system on the front seat. 132