National Child Passenger Safety Certification Training ProgramNational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training ProgramNational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training ProgramNational Child Passenger Safety Certification Training Program

Module 5Module 5

Air BagsAir Bags

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Module 5 ObjectivesModule 5 Objectives

• Describe the purpose and function of air bags.

• Identify features, warnings, and markings related to air bags for frontal and side impacts.

• Identify features of inflatable seat belts.

• Locate air bag information in owner’s manuals and vehicles.

• Explain best practices about air bags to caregivers.

Air Bag DefinitionAir Bag Definition

• Vehicle safety device made up of flexible fabric envelope designed to rapidly deploy in a crash

• Located almost anywhere in vehicle

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How Air Bags WorkHow Air Bags Work

• Spread crash forces over a large part of body

• Can only deploy once and MUST be replaced after a crash

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Air Bags in the Front of VehiclesAir Bags in the Front of Vehicles

• Driver air bags in steering wheel

• Front seat passenger air bags in instrument panel, over glove box

• Knee air bags in some vehicles

5-5

3 Types of Passenger Air Bags3 Types of Passenger Air Bags

1. Always on or active in the vehicle

2. Can be turned on and off using a manual switch

3. Automatically turned on and off by vehicle based on occupant seated in front passenger seat

5-6

Always On or Active Air BagsAlways On or Active Air Bags

• NEVER place a rear-facing car seat in front passenger seat.

• If a forward-facing child must sit in front passenger seat, move vehicle seat as far back from air bag as possible; make sure child is seated in an appropriate car seat/booster seat. Instruct child NOT to lean forward in the seat toward air bag.

5-7

Air Bags that Turn On and Off Using a Manual Switch

• Caregivers must check owner’s manual to understand proper operation of on/off switch.

• If a forward-facing child must sit in front passenger seat, the switch must be in “off” position.

5-8

Air Bags that Automatically Turn On & Off With Occupant in Front Passenger Seat

• Caregivers need to understand specific systems installed in vehicle. Remind them to check their owner’s manual.

• Caregivers should always assume air bag is on if not sure. NEVER place a rear-facing car seat in a seating position with an active front air bag unless vehicle owner’s manual allows it.

5-9

Air Bags that Automatically Turn On & Off With Occupant in Front Passenger Seat (continued)

• It is important that caregiver understand what indicators in vehicle mean. Ensure that air bag is “off” for child sizes and conditions listed in owner’s manual.

• Just because a vehicle is new, do NOT assume passenger air bag will have an automatic on/off system.

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Typical Location of Front Air BagTypical Location of Front Air BagWarnings & MarkingsWarnings & Markings

• Warning label always located on sun visor

• Labels or markings typically located on or near cover of air bag

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Typical Location of Front Air BagTypical Location of Front Air BagWarnings & Markings Warnings & Markings (continued)(continued)

• Always check vehicle owner’s manual to find more information about air bags for front crashes.

• Each vehicle manufacturer places labels in different positions and may use different terms.

5-12

Air Bags for Side ImpactAir Bags for Side Impact

• Found in both front and rear rows

• NOT required in all vehicles, unlike front air bags

• Generally smaller than front air bags

• Found in various places:

– In door

– Inside vehicle seat

– In roof

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Front Center Air BagsFront Center Air Bags

• Found in right (inside) side of driver’s seat

• Open from right side of driver’s seat and deploy forward, between seat and center console

• Labeled, when present, on right side of the seat

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Typical Location of Side Air BagTypical Location of Side Air BagWarnings & MarkingsWarnings & Markings

• Warning labels may be found anywhere including:

– In the door opening

– On end of instrument panel

– Near air bag

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Typical Location of Side Air BagTypical Location of Side Air BagWarnings & Markings Warnings & Markings (continued)(continued)

• Labels or markings may be found:

– On side of seats

– Near edge of roof

– On opening or the side of door

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Inflatable Seat BeltInflatable Seat Belt

• Generally opens in frontal, side, and rollover crashes

• Located in shoulder portion of lap-and-shoulder seat belt

• Has 2 retractors and asewn-on latchplate

• Spreads belt loads over a greater area of chest than standard seat belts

• Provides additional head and neck support during a crash

5-17

Key Questions Related to Air BagsKey Questions Related to Air Bags

• What types of air bags are in vehicle?

• Where are air bags found in vehicle?

• Is passenger air bag automatically switched on and off in vehicle? – If feature is present, where is indicator light or lights?

– Under what conditions does vehicle automatically switch passenger air bag on and off?

• How do vehicle’s air bags affect the car seat or booster seat?

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