Honda 2003 Odyssey Owner's Manual page 47

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Protecting Children
Using a Booster Seat
We strongly recommend that a child
who used a booster ride in a back
seat, not the front. Even if the
passenger's front airbag is off, a
back seat is the safest place for the
child.
Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat maker's instructions.
44
Driver and Passenger Safety
If a child who uses a booster must
ride in front, move the vehicle seat
as far to the rear 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 the ears are
even with the top of the seat-back. A
child of this height should be tall
enough to use the lap/shoulder belt
without a booster.
Even then, the child may still need to
use a booster seat. Note that some
states now require children to use
boosters until they reach a certain
age and/or weight. Be sure to check
current laws in the state or states
where you intend to drive.
When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly
restrained in a back seat.
Even with advanced front airbags,
the back seat is the safest place for a
child of any age or size.
If the passenger's front airbag is on,
and it 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.
The side airbag also poses risks. If
any part of a larger child's body is in
the path of a deploying airbag, the
child could receive possibly serious
injuries.