Air Bags

Air bags protect the head and upper body of older children (over 12 years) and adults from injury in a car crash. The air bag prevents the head and chest from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard. It inflates in front end collisions only and may be activated in a crash even if the vehicle is only moving 15 kilometres an hour.

Air bags save many lives however, there is a risk of injury as a result of the air bag deploying. Injuries may consist of bruises and lacerations and can even cause death. Children are at risk of being injured since they are small. If a child in a rear-facing infant restraint is in a seat that is equipped with an air bag, the infant restraint will be thrown into the back seat if the air bag inflates.

Seat belts however, protect the entire body against all types of collisions and therefore must be worn at all times.

Recommendations:

• wear the lap belt as low as possible over the hips, not the belly
• avoid leaving slack in the belt
• children under the age of 12 should be seated in the back of the vehicle
• make sure the child seat or booster is right for the child's height and weight
• secure the child properly in the restraint
• never install a rear facing infant seat in a seat with an airbag
• never put the shoulder strap of a seat belt behind the child's back or under the arm

For more information contact Transport Canada Road Safety Information

Road Safety Directorate
344 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N5