UlrikeDG
04-30-2003, 07:31 AM
We got our new Honda Pilot yesterday (so far, I LOVE it!), and the dealer gave us a GREAT brochure: "What You Need to Know About Protecting Kids in Your Car" (C) 2002 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
It starts out on page 1 saying that riding in a car is the biggest risk children face every day. Page 2 says to put kids in the back, strap them in seats, and buckle them in a booster until they are big enough for a seatbelt. Page 3 says what to look for when shopping for a seat:
-The seat must meet FMVSS 213.
-The seat must be the right type (RF vs FF).
-The seat must fit the child.
-The seat must fit the vehicle.
Page 4 emphasizes rear facing until at least age 1 and never placing a RF seat in front of an active airbag. Page 5 covers FF seats and reemphasizes that children should rear face as long as possible. Pages 6-7 cover booster use and includes SafetyBeltSafe USA's 5 Step test! Pages 8-9 covers proper seatbelt fit for children too big for a booster and teaching them to remain in position to avoid increased risk of injury (from airbags or otherwise).
Pages 10-11 list "Helpful Tips on Installing Child Seats." This is where the one *big* error in the booklet is located. It says, "The seat doesn't need to be 'rock solid,' but it should be secure enough to stay upright during normal driving." Not anywhere close to Best Practice recommendations! It does go on to say that you should follow the seat maker's instructions, but ACK!
The last page covers safety when the vehicle isn't in motion:
-Never leave kids alone in the car (heat risks).
-Lock all doors and the trunk when your car is not in use (entrapment risk).
-Keep car keys and remote transmitters out of reach.
Overall, this booklet is one of the best I've seen put out by a private agency! It's concice, well written, covers all the basics, only has *one* glaring error, and lots of colorful pictures. I think it would be slightly more effective if they said, "Babies AND TODDLERS," in the rear facing section, and if they emphasized the need to stay RF as long as possible on the Infants page, rather than waiting until the FF page to mention it. I'd certainly consider using it at a check or parents' class if Honda were willing to donate them.
Overall, I'd give it a B+. Well done, Honda!
It starts out on page 1 saying that riding in a car is the biggest risk children face every day. Page 2 says to put kids in the back, strap them in seats, and buckle them in a booster until they are big enough for a seatbelt. Page 3 says what to look for when shopping for a seat:
-The seat must meet FMVSS 213.
-The seat must be the right type (RF vs FF).
-The seat must fit the child.
-The seat must fit the vehicle.
Page 4 emphasizes rear facing until at least age 1 and never placing a RF seat in front of an active airbag. Page 5 covers FF seats and reemphasizes that children should rear face as long as possible. Pages 6-7 cover booster use and includes SafetyBeltSafe USA's 5 Step test! Pages 8-9 covers proper seatbelt fit for children too big for a booster and teaching them to remain in position to avoid increased risk of injury (from airbags or otherwise).
Pages 10-11 list "Helpful Tips on Installing Child Seats." This is where the one *big* error in the booklet is located. It says, "The seat doesn't need to be 'rock solid,' but it should be secure enough to stay upright during normal driving." Not anywhere close to Best Practice recommendations! It does go on to say that you should follow the seat maker's instructions, but ACK!
The last page covers safety when the vehicle isn't in motion:
-Never leave kids alone in the car (heat risks).
-Lock all doors and the trunk when your car is not in use (entrapment risk).
-Keep car keys and remote transmitters out of reach.
Overall, this booklet is one of the best I've seen put out by a private agency! It's concice, well written, covers all the basics, only has *one* glaring error, and lots of colorful pictures. I think it would be slightly more effective if they said, "Babies AND TODDLERS," in the rear facing section, and if they emphasized the need to stay RF as long as possible on the Infants page, rather than waiting until the FF page to mention it. I'd certainly consider using it at a check or parents' class if Honda were willing to donate them.
Overall, I'd give it a B+. Well done, Honda!