Why Side Air Bags (Protect Children)?

A number of car manufacturers now offer side-mounted air bags as standard or optional safety equipment for front seat passengers. Side air bags protect drivers and front seat adult passengers in certain side-impact collisions. A much smaller number of manufacturers offer side-mounted air bags in the rear seat as standard or optional equipment. Take a moment to read your owner’s manual and identify where the side air bags are located in your vehicle. The following table briefly describes the different types of side air bag:

Roof-mounted systems	Curtains and head tubes come out from the roof line along the upper edge of the doors. These air bags come down along the window to protect your head and neck.
Door-mounted systems	Door-mounted air bags break out of the armrest or the door just above the armrest. When fully inflated these air bags are about the size of a plastic grocery bag filled with air. These air bags protect your chest.
Seat-mounted systems	Seat-mounted air bags come out through the side of the seat back cushion closest to the door. Some air bags will inflate to the size of a small cushion, while others can inflate to the size of a large pillow. The smaller air bags protect your chest, while the larger ones protect your chest and head.

How to Protect Children in Vehicles with Side Air Bags

Keeping Children Safe in Your Vehicle

Air bags save lives. However, children must be properly seated and restrained at all times. This fact sheet tells you about the four stages of child safety in vehicles equipped with side air bags. No matter what the age of your child, it is important to follow some basic guidelines when travelling with children in your vehicle.