Safety System3-32
Seat belt use and children
Infant and small children
All 50 states have child restraint laws
which r
equire children to travel in
approved child restraint devices,
including booster seats. The age at
which seat belts can be used instead
of child restraints differs among states,
so you should be aware of the specific
requirements in your state, and where
you are travelling. Infant and child
restraints must be properly placed
and installed in a rear seat. For more
information refer to the “Child Restraint
Systems” section in this chapter.
WARNING
ALWAYS properly restrain infants
and small children in a child restraint
appropriate for the child’s height and
weight.
To reduce the risk of serious injury or
death to a child and other passengers,
NEVER hold a child in your lap or arms
when the vehicle is moving. The violent
forces created during an accident tear
off the child from and throw the child
against the interior of the vehicle.
Small children are best protected
from injury in an accident when
properly restrained in the rear seat
by a child restraint system that meets
the requirements of the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards. Before buying
any child restraint system, make sure
that it has a label certifying that it meets
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
FMVSS 213. The restraint must be
appropriate for your child’s height and
weight. Check the label on the child
restraint for this information. Refer to the
“Child Restraint Systems” section in this
chapter. Larger children
Children under age 13 and who are
t
oo large for a booster seat should
always occupy the rear seat and use the
available lap/shoulder belts. A seat belt
should lie across the upper thighs and
be snug across the shoulder and chest
to restrain the child safely. Check belt fit
periodically. A child’s squirming could
put the belt out of position. In the event
of an accident, children are afforded the
best safety restrained by a proper Child
Restraint System in the rear seats.
If a larger child over age 13 must be
seated in the front seat, the child must
be securely restrained by the available
lap/shoulder belt and the seat should be
placed in the rearmost position.
If the shoulder belt portion slightly
touches the child’s neck or face, try
placing the child closer to the center
of the vehicle. If the shoulder belt still
touches their face or neck, they need to
be returned to an appropriate booster
seat in the rear seat.
WARNING
[ Always make sure larger children’s
seat belts are worn and properly
adjusted.
[ NEVER allow the shoulder belt to
contact the child’s neck or face.
[ Do not allow more than one child to
use a single seat belt.
03
3-33
Seat belt use and injured people
A seat belt should be used when an
injured person is being transported.
Consult with a physician for specific
recommendations.
One person per belt
Two people (including children) should
never attempt to use a single seat belt.
This could increase the severity of
injuries in case of an accident.
Do not lie down
Sitting in a reclined position when the
vehicle is in motion can be dangerous.
Even when buckled up, the protections
of your restraint system (seat belts
and/or air bags) is greatly reduced by
reclining your seatback.
Seat belts must be snug against your
hips and chest to work properly.
During an accident, you could be twined
with the seat belt, causing neck or other
injuries.
The more the seat back is reclined, the
greater the chance for the passenger’s
hips to slide under the lap belt or the
passenger’s neck to strike the shoulder
belt.
WARNING
[ NEVER ride with a reclined seatback
when the vehicle is moving.
[ Riding with a reclined seatback
increases your chance of serious
or fatal injuries in the event of a
collision or sudden stop.
[ Driver and passengers should always
sit well back in their seats with the
seatbacks upright and should be
belted properly.
Care of Seat Belts
Seat belt systems should never be
disassembled or modified. In addition,
care should be taken to assure that seat
belts and belt hardware are not damaged
by seat hinges, doors or other abuse.
Periodic inspection
All seat belts should be inspected
periodically for wear or damage of any
kind. Any damaged parts should be
replaced as soon as possible.
Keep belts clean and dry
Seat belts should be kept clean and
dry. If belts become dirty, they can be
cleaned by using a mild soap solution
and warm water. Bleach, dye, strong
detergents or abrasives should not be
used because they may damage and
weaken the fabric.
When to replace seat belts
The entire seat belt assembly or
assemblies should be replaced if the
vehicle has been involved in an accident.
This should be done even if no damage is
visible. Additional questions concerning
seat belt operation should be consulted
with to an authorized retailer of Genesis
Branded products.