1997 Mercury Cougar Owner's Manual - Page 126

Disposal of Air Bags and Air Bag Equipped Vehicles For disposal of air bags or air bag equipped vehicles, see your local Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer. Air bags MUST BE disposed of by qualified personnel. Safety Restraints for Children In the U.S. and Canada, you are required by law to use safety restraints for children. If small children ride in your vehicle - this generally includes children who are four years old or younger and who weigh 40 pounds (18 kg) or less - you must put them in safety seats that are made specially for children. Safety belts alone do not provide maximum protection for these children. Check your local and state laws for specific requirements. RWARNING Never let a passenger hold a child on his or her lap while the vehicle is moving. The passenger cannot protect the child from injury in a collision. RWARNING Cargo should always be secured to prevent it from shifting and causing damage to the vehicle or harm to passengers. When possible, put children in the rear seat of your vehicle. Accident statistics suggest that children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seating positions. 124