Air Bags Provide Safety + Insurance Discounts
It’s a fact. Air bags can and do save lives. Enough so that most insurance companies give premium discounts for cars that are equipped with air bags.
But, as you may have seen through the media, there are also some dangers associated with air bags. In particular, smaller drivers and passengers, children and infants can be at risk. By taking the following precautions, air bags can be effective without being dangerous. They may even save your life or the life of someone you love.
• Sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible while still reaching the pedals.
• Continue to use a seat belt. Most air bag inflation deaths involve unbelted people.
• Do not allow children to sit in the front seat if there is a passenger side air bag. Children should sit in the back seat and wear a seat belt.
• If the car does not have a back seat and the child must ride in the front seat, make sure that the seat is as far back as it will go and that the child is wearing a seat belt.
• Never place infants in rear-facing baby seats in the front seat if there is a passenger side air bag. Infants in rear-facing baby seats should be placed in the back seat.
• If your vehicle does not have a back seat, and a child, infant or small adult must ride in the front seat where an air bag is present, contact your dealer to inquire about deactivating the air bag.
• Be alert to new studies and regulations pertaining to the use of air bags.
• Precisely follow the precautions found in your owner’s manual.
By following these guidelines, as well as the guidelines of your owner’s manual, you can take advantage of the benefits air bags provide in the safest way possible. If you have any questions about your auto insurance, or if you would like information about homeowners, business or life insurance, please contact us today.
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