What you need to know about vehicle air bags
Air bags are designed to provide vehicle occupants with extra protection in a crash. Depending on the make and model, today's vehicles may have air bags in a variety of locations, including the steering wheel, dashboard, roof columns and door panels. Sensors within the vehicle determine when an air bag will deploy based on the type and severity of the crash.
For the best protection, always wear a seat belt -- even in vehicles equipped with air bags. Seat belts remain the best protection in rollover, side-impact and rear-end crashes.
- A child in a rear-facing child restraint system may be placed in the front seat only if the front passenger air bag is deactivated.
- Parents are encouraged to seat all children ages 12 and younger in the rear seat of the vehicle to avoid potential injury from an air bag in the event of a crash.
- It is recommended that drivers sit with at least 10 inches between the center of their breastbone and the center of the steering wheel.
- If a driver is pregnant, it is recommended that she should wear her seat belt with the lap portion of the belt correctly positioned over the hips (not the stomach) and the shoulder portion across the chest. She should sit as far back as possible from the air bag.
Tips for rural driving
When driving in rural or country areas, there are a number of special situations that require attention. Watch for driveways, farm equipment, railroad crossings that might not be marked, and bridges that are narrow or poorly surfaced. Some intersections may be hidden by trees, brush, or crops.
Animals often are found wandering along the roadway. Be alert for deer at dawn and dusk, and especially in the fall and spring (although vehicle-deer crashes can occur at any time). Watch for deer crossing signs. Slow down if you see one deer; they frequently travel in groups and chances are there are others nearby.
Extra care and slower speeds should be used when driving on gravel roads because of the reduced traction due to the road surface. The road surface can be affected by loose gravel, slippery conditions after rain or snow, ruts in the driving lanes, and washboard conditions. When approaching oncoming vehicles, watch for soft shoulders or the absence of shoulders.
Information excerpted from The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide, a helpful resource for families with young drivers.
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