How to Drive an Air Bag Equipped Car

Air bags help reduce accident injuries, but don't count on them to keep you safe in a collision. Air bags work best when used with seat belts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Measuring Tapes

1. Wear your seat belt. Make sure it's snug.

2. Move your seat as far back as is comfortable. This keeps you away from the inflating air bag. Sit at least 10 inches - measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone - from the steering wheel.

3. Tilt your steering wheel down so that the air bag will come out toward your chest, not your face.

Tips & Warnings

• Children 12 and younger should always ride in the backseat away from the air bags.
• Air bag cutoff switches can be installed in certain situations. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Web site (see Related Sites) for further information.
• Never put a child's car seat in the front of a car with air bags.

on 11/22/2005 Drive at 4 and 8 with an air bag; 10 and 2 is not good on your arms. 3 and 9 is best with no air bag.

on 11/22/2005 Do not drive gripping the steering wheel with the palm of your hand facing you. If the airbag inflates, it will shatter your wrist.

on 11/22/2005 Actually, although 9 and 3 are the best places to place your hands to prevent road fatigue, it's right above where the hot gases which inflate an airbag expand. My friend got 2nd and 3rd degree burns after his wreck ... 10 and 2 are better.

on 11/22/2005 If your steering wheel is a clock, drive with your hands on 9 and 3. If you drive with one hand on 12, you would smack yourself silly when the air bag inflates.