Protecting Children
A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of their ears are
even with the top of the seat-back.
When a child reaches this height,
they should be tall enough to use the
lap/shoulder belt without a booster.
When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommends that all
children ages 12 and under ride in a
back seat, properly restrained.
A back seat is the safest place for a
child of any age or size.
In addition, the passenger's airbag
poses serious risks to children. If the
seat is too far forward, or the child's
head is thrown forward during a
collision, or the child is unrestrained
or out of position, an inflating airbag
can kill or seriously injure the child.
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.
Physical Size
Physically, a child must be large
enough for the lap/shoulder belt to
properly fit over their hips, chest,
and shoulder (see pages
13
and
35
).
If the seat belt does not fit properly,
the child should not sit in the front.
Maturity
To safely ride in front, a child must
be able to follow the rules, including
sitting properly and wearing their
seat belt properly throughout a ride.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
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