Children in Vehicles with Airbags

A guide for parents

Check with your vehicle manufacturers for their recommendations on the use of child seats when airbags are fitted.

Within existing legislation (provided they are in an appropriate child restraint), it is not an offence to place children in the front seat of of a vehicle.

However, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Department recommends that children are not placed in the front seat of any vehicle fitted with airbags.

The Jersey Road Safety Officer, Philip Blake, can be contacted on telephone 01534 612222 or by email p.blake@jersey.pnn.police.uk for further information and advice.

The following are a few of the very many websites available with information regarding airbags.

The UK Department of Transport Airbags general advice www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_roads/documents/page/dft_roads_506855.hcsp

The UK ROSPA site information on children and airbags
www.childcarseats.org.uk/choosing/airbags.htm and
www.rospa.com/roadsafety/advice/motorvehicles/index.htm

A section of the UK highway code relating to seat belts www.learnerdriving.com/Driving_Lessons/Highway_Code/5__Rules_for_drivers_and_motor/body_5__rules_for_drivers_and_motor.html

REMEMBER: Children are not responsible for their safety - you are!