Safety is one of the most important considerations when buying a family vehicle. Knowing that, manufacturers have introduced a number of safety features you should look for. Charts list vehicles that include one or more of the following features:
Manual Air Bag On-Off Switch
Some vehicles are equipped with a special switch that lets the driver control the passenger air bag. The switch has a warning light that must be visible to all front-seat passengers to inform them the air bag has been turned off.
A rear-facing infant seat should NEVER be placed in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with an active passenger air bag. Infants and children can be injured -- or even killed -- if the air bag inflates. Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for information on the proper use of the air bag on-off switch.
The on-off switch can deactivate driver or passenger air bags. For new vehicles, federal requirements allow the switch only for vehicles with no rear seat or those with rear seats too small to safely accommodate a rear-facing infant seat.
You can get authorization from NHTSA to have an on-off switch installed in your existing vehicle by a dealer or repair shop if you:
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Cannot avoid placing a rear-facing infant seat in the front passenger seat. |
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Have been advised by a physician that you have a medical condition that places you at specific risk. |
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Cannot adjust the driver's position to keep your breastbone approximately 10 inches from the steering wheel. |
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Cannot avoid situations, such as a car pool, that require a child 12 or under to ride in the front seat. |
Brochures about on-off switches and installation request forms are available from local vehicle dealerships, AAA offices, state motor vehicle offices and NHTSA. Since switches are not available for all vehicles, verify availability for your vehicle before you request authorization for its installation.
Some manufacturers offer vehicles with a system that deactivates the passenger air bag when a special child restraint, sold by these manufacturers, is properly installed. At the time of publication, two vehicle manufacturers offer these systems: Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.
Built-In Child Seats
These permanent seats are designed to restrain children at least 1 year old and more than 20 pounds in a forward-facing position. Because they are built into the vehicle, these seats are an effective restraint system for children. They have an advantage over add-on child safety seats because they do not have compatibility problems with vehicle seat designs or safety belt systems.
Rear Center Seat Lap/Shoulder Belt
All rear center seats must be equipped with a lap belt or lap and shoulder belt. All rear outboard seating positions must include lap and shoulder belts. As an added feature, some manufacturers include lap and shoulder belts in rear center seats. This benefits children in booster seats and older children, because the seat provides the same level of protection as rear outboard seating positions.
Adjustable Rear Shoulder Belts
Because seat belts must fit people of all sizes, including children, some manufacturers offer adjustable anchors that allow you to change the height of the shoulder strap. Check the manufacturer's instructions to adjust seat belts in your vehicle properly.
