An air bag is not a soft, billowy pillow. The force of an air bag can hurt those who are too close to it. Drivers can prevent air bag-related injuries to adults and children by following the critical safety points on the back. Child Safety Points Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat. Small children should ride in a rear seat in child safety seats approved for their age and size .
Air bags are supplemental protection devices .
The lap belt should be worn under the abdomen and low across the hips. The shoulder portion should come over the collar bone away from the neck and cross over the breast bone. The shoulder belt in most new cars can be adjusted on the side pillar to improve fit. Driver and front passenger seats should be moved as far back as practical, particularly for shorter statured people.