Essential Safety Equipment
2-28
To improve the fit of lap and shoulder
belts on children who have outgrown
child safety seats, Mazda recommends
use of a belt-positioning booster seat that
is labeled as conforming to all Federal
motor vehicle safety standards. Belt-
positioning booster seats raise the child
and provide a shorter, firmer seating
cushion that encourages safer seating
posture and better fit of lap and shoulder
belts on the child. A belt-positioning
booster should be used if the shoulder belt
rests in front of the child’s face or neck, or
if the lap belt does not fit snugly on both
thighs, or if the thighs are too short to let
the child sit all the way back on the seat
cushion when the lower legs hang over
the edge of the seat cushion. You may
wish to discuss the specific needs of your
child with your pediatrician.
J
Older Children
A child who has outgrown child restraint
systems should use seat belts, both lap
and shoulder. If the shoulder belt crosses
the neck or face, use the adjustable
shoulder belt and/or move the child
closer to the center of the vehicle.
WARNING
Proper Belt Adjustment:
If seat belts are not properly worn
and adjusted as described, the risk
of serious injury to the child in a
collision will be much greater.
Make sure the seat belt is worn
properly as described in this section.
WARNING
Shoulder Belt Positioning:
The child should wear the lap and
shoulder belt only if the shoulder
belt portion can be positioned so that
it does not cross or rest in front of
the child’s face or neck. Moving the
child closer to the center of the
vehicle may help provide proper
shoulder belt fit.
If the shoulder belt cannot be prop-
erly positioned, the child should be
protected by a child restraint system.
If you do not have a child restraint
system, obtain one immediately. In
the meantime, move the child to a
lap belt-only seat position if the
vehicle is so equipped.