Air Bag Safety Alert

Air Bag Safety. Everyone Buckled. Kids in Back.

Air bags and safety belts save lives when used properly. All Americans, and especially parents and caregivers, need to understand how to maximize the lifesaving capabilities of these safety devices and minimize the risks. Air bag safety is not mandated by law, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes these recommendations:

• KIDS RIDE IN BACK: All children through the age of 12 should always ride buckled up in the back seat. Children in child safety seats should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Even if there is not a passenger-side air bag in the vehicle, the safest place for infants and children is properly buckled up in the back seat.
• CHILD SAFETY SEATS: Young children and infants should always ride in age and size appropriate child safety seats. The safety seat should be held properly in place by the vehicle’s safety belts and the child should be correctly buckled in the child safety seat. A child who has outgrown a convertible child safety seat will need to ride in a booster seat for the vehicle’s safety belts to fit properly.
• WEAR BOTH LAP AND SHOULDER BELTS: Lap belts should be positioned low on hips and snug. The shoulder belt should never be slipped behind the back or under the arm. This is a dangerous habit, especially in cars with air bags.
• MOVE THE FRONT SEATS BACK: Drivers should position their seat as far away from the steering wheel as is practical to operate the vehicle. Drivers should also make sure that the front passenger seat is pushed back as far as possible.
• More Child Safety Seat tips

Delaware’s Child Restraint Law States:

1. Any child below the age of 4 must be restrained in a Federally approved child restraint seat.
2. Any child age 4 through age 15 must be restrained in an approved child restraint seat or safety belt.
3. This law pertains to all seating positions, both front and back seats, in a motor vehicle.
4. This law is a primary violation.
5. The fine for this violation is $28.75 for each offense.

For more information contact the Delaware Office Of Highway Safety at 302-744-2740.

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Cindy Genau | NCC Home

Copyright © 1998-2003 NCC Cooperative Extension. Last revised March 03, 2003.

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