(BINGHAMTON, NY) – Air bags are designed to be additional safety features in a vehicle to help protect an occupant in a crash. They are considered secondary protection because they are most effective when they work in conjunction with a seat belt. However, air bags can be quite dangerous for child passengers. It is recommended that children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat. This recommendation is based on the fact that most children over 12 are closer to adults in height, physical development, and behavior. They are old enough to understand and remember the importance of keeping their heads away from the dashboard.

 When the air bag shoots out of the steering wheel or dashboard, the tightly folded fabric or plastic compartment cover can crush any object in the “danger zone.”  Air bags differ in speed and angle of deployment, just as occupants vary in size and shape, so the size of the “danger zone” varies. It is recommended that occupants sit at least 12 inches away from the dashboard. The further back the occupant’s seat, the better.