Proper Transport Of Children - Maserati Coupe Owner's Manual

Proper transport of
children
For the best protection in the event of
a collision, all the vehicle's occupants
must travel seated and protected by all
the suitable restraining systems. The
seat belts are designed to be used by
persons whose physical characteristics
(age, height, weight) are provided for
by established legislation in each
country. Anyone who does not comply
with these provisions may not travel in
the passenger seat (European
Community height and age limits:
minimum 150 cm and 3 years).
This also applies to children. Their
heads are proportionally heavier and
larger than those of adults, while their
bones and muscles are relatively
undeveloped. For children to be
restrained correctly in the event of a
collision, suitable restraining or safety
systems must be used.
Where provided for by law (in
the European Community),
children under 3 years of age
cannot travel in the vehicle unless
using a suitable restraint system.
Where provided for by law (in
the European Community),
children under 3 years of age
who are less than 150cm tall cannot
travel on the front seat unless a
suitable restraint system is provided.
Children must always use a
suitable restraint system
when travelling, preferably
fitted on the rear seat as this is the
safest position in the event of a
collision.
Children must never travel
seated on a passenger's lap. A
child weighs very little until a
collision occurs! In a collision, a child
becomes so heavy it is impossible to
hold onto him or her. For example, in a
collision at only 40 km/h, a child
weighing 5,5 kg exerts a force of 110
kg against the arms of the person
holding him or her. Children must
always be protected by a suitable
restraining system when travelling.
Children who are resting on
the airbag or are too close to it
when it is activated, may be
seriously injured. The airbags and
pretensioners offer suitable protection
for adults and teenagers, but not for
children and babies. Neither the seat
belts or the airbags are designed for
them. Children and babies must travel
in suitable restraining systems.
Babies must be supported
completely, including their
head and neck. This is
necessary because a baby's neck is
weak while the head is much bigger
and heavier in proportion to his/her
body. In a collision, if a baby is
travelling in a backwards-facing seat
the forces of an impact are distributed
throughout the more solid parts of the
body, i.e. the back and shoulders.
Babies must always be protected by a
suitable restraining system when
travelling.

Proper transport of children

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