Airbags and Child Seats

This information is also available in PDF format (45kb)

Many cars have multiple airbags. They are designed to provide extra protection in addition to seat belts.

Most new cars are fitted with a driver airbag in the steering wheel and a front passenger airbag in the dashboard. Side airbags, fitted in the vehicle sides or the seats, are becoming common, and 'curtain' airbags that drop down in front of the rear seats are being introduced in some cars. At least one manufacturer has developed an airbag that is fitted inside a seat belt.

Airbags inflate rapidly (and then immediately deflate), cushioning the occupants and preventing or reducing contact with parts of the vehicle likely to cause injury, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. In order to provide protection, airbags fully inflate in less than one second, expanding at anything up to 160 mph. This means that they inflate with a considerable amount of force. If a car occupant is too close to an airbag and is hit by it as it inflates, she/he could be injured.

Therefore, some simple rules are essential to ensure that maximum protection is provided by airbags and unnecessary injuries are avoided (it is sensible to follow these tips even if there are no airbags present).

Child Passengers

Always ensure that your child is in an appropriate child restraint that is suitable for the car and seat on which it is being used, and that it is securely fitted. Make sure the child is securely held by the child seat harness or seat belt.
Make sure that children travel in the rear of the car, if possible - it is safer.
Never put a rearward-facing baby seat in the front if there is a passenger airbag.
Do not put a forward-facing child seat in the front, unless there is no other choice. In this case, make sure the car seat is as far back as possible, the child seat is securely fitted and the child is securely held by the seat belt or child seat harness, keeping the child as far as possible from the dashboard. Ask the vehicle manufacturer how far the airbag comes out as it deploys and whether it is safe to use a child seat.
If there are side airbags, make sure that the child restraint does not rest against the door, that the child sits properly in the seat and does not lean close to, or against, the door or window. Ask the vehicle manufacturer how far the airbag comes out as it deploys and whether it is safe to use a child seat in the front.
If there are other types of airbag in the car, ask the vehicle manufacturer how far they come out as they deploy and whether it is safe to use a child seat near the airbag.

Adult Passengers

Always ensure that adult passengers, including children who are too big to use a child restraint, wear their seatbelt properly, in the front and the rear of the car.
The front passenger seat should be as far back from the dashboard as possible. The passenger should sit upright and as far back as possible.
Passengers should never put their feet on the dashboard, nor attach anything to the dashboard over or near the airbag.
If there are side airbags, make sure that the passenger sits properly in the seat and does not lean close to, or against, the door or window.
If there are any other types of airbag in the car, ask the vehicle manufacturer how far they come out as they deploy.

The Driver

Always wear your seatbelt properly.
Place the driver's seat as far back as possible while ensuring that you can safely and comfortably operate all of the vehicle's controls. There should be at least 10 inches (25 cm) from the centre of the steering wheel and your chest. However, airbags differ from car to car, so ask the vehicle manufacturer for advice about the minimum distance between you and the airbag.
If you have to sit closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel in order to drive properly, try reclining your seat to move you back sufficiently from the steering wheel, but make sure you can still reach all the controls. If the steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downwards so that the airbag points towards your chest rather than your head, but make sure you can see the instruments clearly.
If you still have to sit closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel, ask the vehicle manufacturer for help or advice.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women should have their car seats as far back as possible (whether or not an airbag is fitted) and ensure they are wearing their seat belt properly.

Disconnecting or Switching Off Airbags
Disconnecting or switching off an airbag should be a last resort. It means that the protection offered by the airbag is lost. If there is no other option, contact the vehicle manufacturer, and consult your insurance company beforehand.

Some cars have a cut-off switch which allows an airbag to be switched on or off. The disadvantage is that you may forget to switch it back on when a different passenger is in the seat. And there may be the possibility that an airbag may go off in a crash anyway.

Some manufacturers may be prepared to disconnect an airbag or install a cut-off switch if they believe the airbag is causing an appreciable risk to the driver or passenger. They would probably require the vehicle owner to accept responsibility for the disconnection and for any effect it may have on other drivers or passengers. They may need to replace the steering wheel and/or seat belt, if they have been specifically designed and approved for use with the airbag.

The airbag should be reconnected before the car is sold.

Replacement Airbags
If any part of the airbag system requires replacement, ensure only parts approved by the manufacturer for use with the vehicle are fitted. Also make sure that they are fitted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Never have second-hand airbag components fitted. They may not function properly and therefore, could offer reduced protection, or even present a danger to the vehicle occupant.

Choosing A New Car
When choosing a new car (brand new or second-hand) check with the manufacturer what airbags are fitted and whether they are compatible with your child restraints. Here is a checklist of safety issues ( PDF format 492 kb) to consider when choosing a new car.

To view PDF documents on the RoSPA Child Car Seats website you will need to download and install a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have problems accessing PDF documents on this website visit our Download Help page.