front seat passenger air bags

M

momof2

Guest
Hi,
I have a 1996 Toyota Avalon (has front air bags) and we are considering replacing it in 0-3 years. We are in the research stage right now. I may need the front seat to transport my 10-year old (50-60 lbs) if carpooling. Are aftermarket "on/off" switches for front passenger airbags considered safe? In new cars/SUVs/minivans, do all front passenger air bags come with weight-sensing capabilities? Is it safe to transport children in front seat if necessary? Thank you!
 
ADS

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
Quick answers-

If you meet the NHTSA requirements, a dealer or mechanic can install an airbag on/off switch. If installed properly, the only safety issue is the operator making sure to turn it on or off as needed.

Very few, if any, frontal airbags have advanced sensing for weight or position. Some vehicles do have this for their side-mounted airbags in the front seat. Manufacturers will begin phasing in these new advanced airbag systems with sensing starting in the 2004 Model year, with 100% compliance by model year 2006. That assumes an extension is not granted.

The front seat is always a last resort for kids 12 and under. The risk of fatal injury is 30% higher than the back seat even without an active airbag, and higher with an active airbag. Obviously, in some situations there is no choice. You should contact a local child safety technician to find which child would be most suitable for a front seat in this case.
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,656
Messages
2,196,898
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top