When Can A Larger Child Sit In Front; Maturity; Physical Size - Honda Element 2004 Owner's Manual

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Protecting Larger Children
Some states also require children to
use a booster until they reach a
given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or
60 lbs). Be sure to check current
laws in the state or states where you
intend to drive.
Booster seats can be high-back or
low-back. Whichever style you select,
make sure the booster meets federal
safety standards and that you follow
the booster seat maker's instructions.
If a child who uses a booster must
ride in front, move the vehicle seat
as far back as possible, and be sure
the child is wearing the seat belt
properly.
A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of their ears are
even with the top of the vehicle's or
booster's seat-back. A child of this
height should be tall enough to use
the lap/shoulder belt without a
booster.
46
Driver and Passenger Safety
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When Can a Larger Child Sit in
Front
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
age 12 and under be properly
restrained in the back seat.
If the passenger's front airbag
inflates in a moderate to severe
frontal collision, the airbag can cause
serious injuries to a child who is
unrestrained, improperly restrained,
sitting too close to the airbag, or out
of position.
On models with side airbags, the
passenger's airbag also poses risks.
If any part of a larger child's body is
in the path of a deploying side airbag,
the child could receive possibly
serious injuries.
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Of course, children vary widely. And
while age may be one indicator of
when a child can safely ride in the
front, there are other important
factors you should consider.

Maturity

To safely ride in front, a child must
be able to follow the rules, including
sitting properly, and wearing the seat
belt properly throughout a ride.

Physical Size

Physically, a child must be large
enough for the lap/shoulder belt to
properly fit (see page 45
belt does not fit properly, with or
without the child sitting on a booster,
the child should not sit in the front.
). If the seat