Curtain air bags a problem?

M

mcglone

Guest
Curtain air bags a problem?

We just got our new Camry today and the owner's manual is filled with warnings about the hazards of the curtain air bags (which are at head level in the back seat).

Any idea if it would be safer to put our car seat in the middle of the back seat (where we cannot use the LATCH attachments) instead of on either side using LATCH? (Our daughter is 14 months and still rides rear-facing).
 
ADS
C

Caviller

Guest
Re: Curtain air bags a problem?

First, some links:

www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/a...01499.html

www.usatoday.com/money/au...irbags.htm


I have no data or studies, but from from various reading I believe that side airbags are not a significant risk to children in harnessed carseats. The serious risk is to passengers seated out of position; leaning on the door, face on the window, head sleeping on a pillar, etc. This applies mostly to adults, kids in boosters and especially anyone not wearing a seatbelt. Side curtain airbags would be even less risk, as they are higher and inflate with less force.

Also note that newer Evenflo models prohibit installation in a position with any type of active airbag, so that is a consideration. If your vehicle owner's manual restricts carseat installation near a side airbag, then you should also follow their recommendations first.

As for where to put a single carseat, it really depends on the situation. If the carseat fits well in the center of your Camry with the seatbelt installation, and you don't need to move it frequently, then the center would be slightly safer since it is farther from a possible side impact. If it doesn't fit real tight in the center with the seatbelts, then using LATCH installation outboard would be the preference. Side airbags wouldn't factor into my decision for a harnessed carseat, unless the carseat of vehicle owner's manual prohibited it.

I hope that helps!
 

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