Protecting Larger Children; Checking Seat Belt Fit; Safety of Larger Children- Page 83

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Child Safety

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Safety of Larger Children

Safe Driving

Safety of Larger Children

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind 
of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who 
must sit in front.

When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/
shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then answer the 
following questions.

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Checklist

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Do the child’s knees bend comfortably over 
the edge of the seat?

•

Does the shoulder belt cross between the 
child’s neck and arm?

•

Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as 
possible, touching the child’s thighs?

•

Will the child be able to stay seated like this 
for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder 
seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a 
booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.

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Protecting Larger Children

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Checking Seat Belt Fit

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Safety of Larger Children

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WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in 
front can result in injury or death if the 
passenger’s front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must ride in front, move the 
vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, 
have the child sit up properly and wear the 
seat belt properly, using a booster seat if 
needed.