Air Bag Safety

Air bags save thousands of lives each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Recent analyses show that airbags save over 2,500 lives annually in the United States and front airbags have saved roughly 66,000 lives since 1987.

But air bags can also be dangerous. The chemicals and force required for rapid deployment can injure children or adults sitting too close to the airbag. Some people may experience minor burns or abrasions from the chemicals during inflation. However, in most crashes, airbags prevent far more serious injuries than they cause.

To reduce the risk of air‑bag‑related injuries, all children under age 13 should ride in the back seat. Everyone should always wear a seatbelt and children in car seats must always be secured in the back.

If needed, turn the airbag off depending on who is sitting in the front seat. Since 1998, NHTSA has allowed manufacturers to include air‑bag cut‑off switches, and most newer vehicles indicate when the passenger airbag is off.

Tip: If a teen isn’t heavy enough to activate the airbag sensor, they should sit in the back.

Turn the air bag off if needed, depending on who is sitting in the front seat. As of 1998, the NHTSA permitted the installation of air bag cut-off switches. You may see the light indicating the air bag is off in your newer model car. (One hint for teenagers in the front seat, if they don’t weigh enough to “turn on” the air bag, they should sit in the back.)

Also remember: If your airbag deploys or is stolen, it must be replaced. Replacement costs typically fall under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance policy. Take air bag safety seriously and make sure your passengers do, too.

Armed Forces Insurance: your trusted auto insurance advisor

Armed Forces Insurance has been a trusted advisor to American armed forces service members and veterans for more than 135 years. We’re not a giant corporate skyscraper full of slick insurance executives. We’re a small company headquartered just down the road from Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. We know each other, and our customers know us. If you’re looking for someone you can trust to shoot you straight and help you protect your property, check out our auto insurance page.