12 & under

[papooses]

Everything I've seen about kids & airbags says kids age 12 years & younger should sit in the back, but is there a more informative height minimum to bear in mind? I'm guessing that even an adult is less safe in front of an airbag if s/he is extremely short. I'm wondering if there's something like the 5-step booster test, but for airbags instead???

One feature I really like on my new Escape Hybrid is that the front passenger airbag has an automatic shut-off sensor! My 10 y.o. SS is over the 100# limit but is shorter than 5' & he'll be sitting in the backseat now anyway {finally} ;) So, I'm asking totally out of curiosity....

[CPSDarren]

The 12 and under recommendation is based on fatality statistics. I have not seen a height requirement. There is a requirement on distance from the airbag (at least 10" for the driver to the steering wheel, if I recall correctly).

The 5-step test really applies to people of all ages. The difference for adults (hopefully!) is maturity. Even if the seatbelt systems doesn't fit an adult well, they should know well enough to stay seated correctly and continue wearing the belt properly even if it is on their neck...

Darren

[papooses]

That's kind of what I was thinking....
THANKS