Volkswagen Golf GTI 2016, Owner'S Manual

Page: 351 / 1341

Because children's bodies are not fully developed, they must use
restraint systems especially designed for their size, weight, and
body structure. Many countries and all states of the United States
and provinces of Canada have laws requiring the use of approved
child restraint systems for infants and small children.
In a frontal crash at a speed of 20–35 mph (30–56 km/h), the forces
acting on a 13 pound (6 kg) infant will be more than 20 times the
weight of the child. This means the effective weight of the child
would suddenly increase to more than 260 pounds (120 kg). Under
these conditions, only an appropriate child restraint properly used
can reduce the risk of serious injury. Child restraints, like adult
safety belts, must be used properly to be effective. Used improperly,
they can increase the risk of serious injury in an accident.
All children, especially those 12 years and younger, must always
ride in the back seat properly restrained for their age and size. If
you must install a child restraint on the front passenger seat in
exceptional circumstances, be sure to read and heed the important
information and warnings in the section of this Manual that begins
on → Child restraints and the Advanced Airbag System . Infants
and other children who are properly restrained in an appropriate
child restraint that is for their size and age can benefit from the
protection that supplemental side airbags provide in some kinds of
crashes.