curtain airbags on toyota highlander

Anyone know if curtain airbags are safe for use with 2 kids in carseats? Its an option on the car I'm looking at but I've heard in general airbags are a no no.

Side curtain airbags are fine. They add impact protection to all passengers...including children.

Susan

ask to see the owners manuel. it lists all the seating options for car seats.

in general side airbags are ok but its best to check with each car.

My mom's Highlander manual (with side curtain airbags) says to install seats outobard & middle - it's OK, but definitely check the manual yourself

As others have said, current side curtain airbags have not proven to be any risk to properly restrained passengers. They should actually improve the safety of all properly restrained passengers, including children.

Most manufacturers also test their vehicles with a wide variety of testing for out-of-position occupants. That includes child dummies in some pretty extreme seating positions. You can see if your vehicle meets these guidelines by going to it's results page at www.safercar.gov. As one of the "Available Features" at the bottom of the page you will see "SAB Out of Position Testing". For example, the 2005 Highlander ( http://www.safercar.gov/NCAP/Cars/3266.html ) meets these specifications.

The only time you would not want a child or child restraint next to a side impact airbag of any kind is if the vehicle or child restraint owner's manual advises you not to do this. You will need to read the manuals carefully to determine this. Usually, it will be the child restraint manual that has such a warning, but it is possible some vehicles do, also. I believe that vehicle manufacturers must provide a method to disable the side impact airbags if they recommend they not be used for certain situations, like children.

Personally, I would not purchase a new vehicle without side airbags for head protection in all rows of seating.