These readings are the basis of the star rating. Crash test ratings are only meaningful when comparing vehicles in the same weight class. Air bags inflate instantly in frontal crashes to prevent occupants from hitting the dashboard, steering wheel or windshield at speeds as low as 15 mph. Air bags do not eliminate the need for safety belts, and offer no protection in rollovers, rear, or side impacts. While air bags have saved 1500 lives over the years, they can be deadly for children.
Kids are always safest in the back seat.
Always buckle-up your child and move the vehicle seat as far away from the air bag as possible. Unbelted kids can be killed or injured by an air bag. Safety belts continue to be your best protection in a crash. Adjustable anchors change the height of the shoulder strap to improve belt fit, and are especially helpful for smaller people. While ABS has long been used by race car drivers, it doesn't allow you to drive like one.