Get Safe Driving -> Child Safety Guide for Honda Civic 4 Door Eleventh Generation (2023-2026)

Child Safety

Protecting Child Passengers

Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are

either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle crashes are the

number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.

1Protecting Child Passengers

3

WARNING

Children who are unrestrained or

improperly restrained can be seriously

injured or killed in a crash.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state, Canadian province

and territory requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride

in a vehicle.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be

properly restrained in a child seat. A larger

child should be properly restrained with a

seat belt, using a booster seat if necessary.

Children should sit properly restrained in a rear seat. This is because:

• An inflating front airbag can injure or kill a

child sitting in the front seat.

• A child in the front seat is more likely to

interfere with the driver's ability to safely

control the vehicle.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

and Transport Canada recommend that all children

ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a rear

seat. Some states or provinces/territories have laws

restricting where children may ride.

• Statistics show that children of all sizes and

ages are safer when they are properly

restrained in a rear seat.

Continued

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uuChild SafetyuProtecting Child Passengers

• Never hold a child on your lap because it is impossible to protect them in the

event of a collision.

1Protecting Child Passengers

3

WARNING

• Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt would

likely press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.

Allowing a child to play with a seat belt or

wrap one around their neck can result in

serious injury or death.

• Never let two children use the same seat belt. Both children could be very

seriously injured in a crash.

Instruct children not to play with any seat

belt and make sure any unused seat belt a

child can reach is buckled, fully retracted,

and locked.

• Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt correctly must be restrained in an

approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle using either the seat

belt or the lower anchors of the LATCH system.

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle

and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

• Do not allow children to operate the doors, windows, or seat adjustments.

To remind you of the passenger's front airbag

hazards and child safety, your vehicle has warning

labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the

front visors. Please read and follow the instructions

on these labels.

• Do not leave children in the vehicle unattended, especially in hot weather when

the inside of the vehicle can get hot enough to kill them. They could also activate

vehicle controls causing it to move unexpectedly.

2 Safety Labels P. 93

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uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

Safety of Infants and Small Children

1Protecting Infants

Protecting Infants

■

An infant must be properly restrained in a rear-facing child seat until the infant

3

WARNING

reaches the seat manufacturer's weight or height limit for the seat.

■

Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front

seat can result in serious injury or death

during a crash.

Positioning a rear-facing child seat

Child seats must be placed and secured in a

rear seating position.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the

rear seat, not the front.

Experts recommend use of a rear-facing seat for a

child so long as the child's height and weight are

appropriate for a rear facing seat.

Infants should never be seated in a forward facing

position.

When properly installed, a rear-facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front

passenger from moving their seat all the way back, or from locking their seat-back

in the desired position. Make sure that there is no contact between the child seat

and the seat in front of it.

Always refer to the child seat manufacturer's

instructions before installation.

It can also interfere with proper operation of the passenger's advanced front airbag

system.

Do not allow a front seat to rest against a child seat

installed in a rear seating position.

The weight sensor in the front seat may not correctly

detect the actual weight of the occupant.

2 Airbags P. 57

If this occurs, we recommend that you install the child seat directly behind the front

passenger's seat, move the seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied.

Or, you may wish to get a smaller rear-facing child seat.

Continued

79

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

1Protecting Smaller Children

Protecting Smaller Children

■

If a child has exceeded the weight and height limitations of a rearward-facing child

seat, the child should be properly restrained in a firmly secured forward-facing child

seat until they exceed the weight and height limitations for the forward-facing child

seat.

3

WARNING

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the

front seat can result in serious injury or

death if the front airbag inflates.

■

Forward-facing child seat placement

We strongly recommend placing a forward-

facing child seat in a rear seating position.

If you must place a forward-facing child

seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far

back as possible, and properly restrain the

child.

Educate yourself about the laws and regulations

regarding child seat use where you are driving, and

follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can be hazardous, even with

advanced front airbags that automatically turn the passenger's front airbag off. A

rear seat is the safest place for a child.

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uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

1Selecting a Child Seat

Selecting a Child Seat

■

Installation of a LATCH-compatible child seat is

simple.

Most child seats are LATCH-compatible (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children).

Some have a rigid-type connector while others have a flexible-type connector. Both

are equally easy to use. Some existing and previously owned child seats can only be

installed using the seat belt. Whichever type you choose, follow the child seat

manufacturer's use and care instructions including recommended expiration dates

as well as the instructions in this manual. Proper installation is key to maximizing

your child's safety.

LATCH-compatible child seats have been developed

to simplify the installation process and reduce the

likelihood of injuries caused by incorrect installation.

In seating positions and vehicles not equipped with LATCH, a LATCH-compatible

child seat can be installed using the seat belt and a top tether for added security.

This is because all child seats are required to be designed so that they can be secured

with a lap belt or the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the child seat

manufacturer may advise that a seat belt be used to attach a LATCH-compatible seat

once a child reaches a specified weight. Please read the child seat owner's manual

for proper installation instructions.

■

Important consideration when selecting a child seat

Make sure the child seat meets the following three requirements:

• The child seat is the correct type and size for the child.

• The child seat is the correct type for the seating position.

• The child seat is compliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 or

Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

Continued

81

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

■

A LATCH-compatible child seat can be installed in either of the two outer rear seats. A child

seat is attached to the lower anchors with either the rigid or flexible type of connectors.

1. Locate the anchor marks affixed to the base

3

WARNING

Never attach two child seats to the same

anchor. In a collision, one anchor may not

be strong enough to hold two child seat

attachments and may break, causing

serious injury or death.

of the seat cushion.

2. Pull out the anchor covers under the marks

to expose the lower anchors.

Marks

For your child's safety, when using a child seat

installed using the LATCH system, make sure that the

child seat is properly secured to the vehicle. A child

seat that is not properly secured will not adequately

protect a child in a crash and may cause injury to the

child or other vehicle occupants.

3. Place the child seat so that the probes are

on the cover.

Probes

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uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

4. Attach the child seat to the lower anchors

according to the instructions that came

with the child seat.

1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

Lower Anchors

Models with Auto Idle Stop

3

WARNING

u When installing the child seat, make sure

that the lower anchors are not

obstructed by the seat belt or any other

object.

Using the outer rear seats' inner anchors to

secure a LATCH-compatible child seat in the

center seating position may result in failure

of the child seat, causing injury or death.

Rigid Type

Only use the outer rear seats' inner anchors

to install a child seat in the center seating

position if the manufacturer's instructions

expressly permit.

Lower Anchors

Models with Auto Idle Stop

Installing a LATCH-compatible child seat in the

rear center seat

Flexible Type

Each outer rear seat is equipped with a pair of lower

anchors which are used to secure a LATCH-

compatible child seat. The rear center seat, however,

is not equipped with anchors of any kind.

The inner and outer anchors are spaced apart at a

standard distance of 11 inches (280 mm). The distance

between the two inner anchors is 15 inches (380 mm).

LATCH-compatible restraint systems that are fitted

with rigid-type attachments cannot be installed in the

rear center seat. However, a system fitted with

flexible-type attachments can be installed in the

center seat, provided that the manufacturer's

instructions for that system permit the use of the

inner anchors with the stated spacing.

Continued

83

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

5. Retract the cargo area cover.

Straight Top Tether Type

1Installing a LATCH-Compatible Child Seat

2 Cargo Area Cover P. 239

6. Route the tether strap over the top of the

head restraint. Make sure the strap is not

twisted.

Before seating a child, make sure that the system is

properly attached to both the lower anchors and

tether anchors.

Anchor

7. Secure the tether strap hook to the

anchor.

8. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by

the child seat manufacturer.

Tether Strap Hook

9. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured

by rocking it forward and back and side to

side; little movement should be felt.

10. Make sure any unused seat belt that a

child can reach is buckled, the lockable

retractor is activated, and the belt is fully

retracted and locked.

Other Top Tether Type

Anchor

Tether Strap Hook

84

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

■

A child seat can be installed with a lap/shoulder belt in any rear seat or, if absolutely

necessary, the front passenger seat.

A child seat that is not properly secured will not

adequately protect a child in a crash and may cause

injury to the child or other vehicle occupants.

1. Place the child seat on the vehicle seat.

2. Route the seat belt through the child seat

according to the seat manufacturer's

instructions, and insert the latch plate into

the buckle.

u Insert the latch plate fully until it clicks.

3. Slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all

the way out until it stops. This activates the

lockable retractor.

4. Let the seat belt retract a few inches and

check that the retractor has switched

modes by pulling on the webbing. It should

not pull out again until it is reset by

removing the latch plate from the buckle.

u If you are able to pull the shoulder belt

out, the lockable retractor is not

activated. Slowly pull the seat belt all the

way out, and repeat steps 3 – 4.

Continued

85

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

5. Grab the shoulder part of the seat belt near

1Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Seat Belt

the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack

from the lap part of the belt.

u When doing this, place your weight on

the child seat and push it into the vehicle

seat.

To deactivate a lockable retractor, release the buckle

and allow the seat belt to wind up all the way.

6. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured by

rocking it forward and back and side to

side; less than one inch of movement

should occur near the seat belt.

7. Make sure any unused seat belt that a child

can reach is buckled, the lockable retractor

is activated, and the belt is fully retracted

and locked.

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uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

1Adding Security with a Tether

Adding Security with a Tether

■

Always use a tether for forward-facing child seats

when using the seat belt or lower anchors.

A tether anchor point is provided behind each

rear seating position.

Outer Position

Tether Anchor Points

If you have a child seat that comes with a

tether but can be installed with a seat belt, the

tether may be used for additional security.

Center Position

Tether Anchor Point^*

* Not available on all models

Continued

87

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

■

Using an outer anchor

Straight Top Tether Type in

Outer Position

1. Retract the cargo area cover.

2 Cargo Area Cover P. 239

2. Locate the appropriate tether anchor point.

3. Route the tether strap over the head

restraint. Make sure the strap is not twisted.

4. Secure the tether strap hook to the anchor.

5. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

Anchor

Tether Strap Hook

Other Top Tether Type in

Outer Position

Anchor

Tether Strap Hook

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uuChild SafetyuSafety of Infants and Small Children

Models with Auto Idle Stop

Straight Top Tether Type in

Center Position

■

Using the center anchor

1. Retract the cargo area cover.

2 Cargo Area Cover P. 239

Anchor

2. Locate the appropriate tether anchor point

and lift the cover.

3. Route the tether strap over the head

restraint. Make sure the strap is not twisted.

4. Secure the tether strap hook to the anchor.

5. Tighten the tether strap as instructed by the

child seat manufacturer.

Tether Strap Hook

Other Top Tether Type in

Center Position

Anchor

Tether Strap Hook

89

uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children

Safety of Larger Children

1Safety of Larger Children

Protecting Larger Children

■

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind

of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who

must sit in front.

3

WARNING

Allowing a child age 12 or under to sit in

front can result in injury or death if the

passenger's front airbag inflates.

Checking Seat Belt Fit

■

If a larger child must ride in front, move the

vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible,

have the child sit up properly and wear the

seat belt properly, using a booster seat if

needed.

When a child is too big for a child seat, secure the child in a rear seat using the lap/

shoulder seat belt. Have the child sit upright and all the way back, then answer the

following questions.

■

Checklist

• Do the child's knees bend comfortably over

the edge of the seat?

• Does the shoulder belt cross between the

child's neck and arm?

• Is the lap part of the seat belt as low as

possible, touching the child's thighs?

• Will the child be able to stay seated like this

for the whole trip?

If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder

seat belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a

booster seat until the seat belt fits properly without a booster seat.

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uuChild SafetyuSafety of Larger Children

1Booster Seats

Booster Seats

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When installing a booster seat, make sure to read the

instructions that came with it, and install the seat

accordingly.

If a lap/shoulder seat belt cannot be used

properly, position the child in a booster seat in

the rear seat. For the child's safety, check that

the child meets the booster seat

There are high- and low-type booster seats. Choose a

booster seat that allows the child to wear the seat

belt correctly.

manufacturer's recommendations.

Some U.S. states, and Canadian provinces and

territories require children to use a booster seat 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

province, or territory where you intend to drive.

Protecting Larger Children - Final Checks

Your vehicle has a rear seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever

have to carry a group of children, and a child must ride in front:

• Make sure you read and fully understand the instructions and safety information

in this manual.

• Move the front passenger seat as far back as possible.

• Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat.

• Check that the seat belt is properly positioned so that the child is secure in the

seat.

■

Monitoring child passengers

We strongly recommend that you keep an eye on child passengers. Even older, more

mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts and sit up

properly.

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Safe Driving -> Child Safety for Your Honda Civic 4 Door Eleventh Generation (2023-2026)

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