January 29, 2004
Not all motorists are deactivating airbags when children are riding in the front seat even though they are aware of the technology to turn them off and know how to use it, regulators said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a survey of pickup drivers that switches to activate and deactivate airbags were often misused.
"Airbags can be real lifesavers if used properly but pose grave risk to small children," said the agency's administrator, Jeffrey Runge.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death or injury for children in the United States. Nearly 1,600 people 14 and younger were killed and more than 220 were hurt in 2001. Nearly half of the victims 4 and younger were unrestrained.
Like all passengers, children must be properly restrained -- either in an infant or child seat or with a seat belt.
