As news reports spread the word about the massive Takata air bag recall, the experts at Stony Brook’s Trauma Center want to remind parents that the safest place for children is in the back seat. Air bags save lives, but are designed to protect adults. Children less than 13 years should never sit in the front seat, this includes infants in rear-facing car seats. The impact from the airbags and closeness to the dashboard can be very dangerous for young children. And remember, New York State Law requires all children less than 8 years to be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system, not a seat belt alone.
For more information about child passenger safety in New York State, please visit: http://www.safeny.ny.gov/sesa-ndx.htm
Find the right car seat to fit your child: http://www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/crs/index.htm
And for more information about vehicle safety and recalls, please visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Vehicle+Safety/Recalls+&+Defects