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Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question: Can you write about airbags? I know you just wrote an article about it being best for kids to ride in the back seat. I know airbags are an issue for kids in the front seat so I thought this would be a good topic. Thank you.

Answer: An airbag is a supplemental restraint system. Airbags work with seat belts to prevent injuries but are not designed to keep occupants from being ejected. For safety reasons, children under age 13 must ride in the back seat if it is available.

Airbag safety suggestions

• Try to keep at least 10 inches between yourself and the steering wheel. Keep your hands at the 8 and 4 o’clock or 9 and 3 o’clock positions on the steering wheel. Avoid the 10 and 2 o’clock position.

• Keep your thumbs turned out on the steering wheel.

• Move front passenger seats as far back as possible. Read your operator’s manual before driving or riding in a vehicle with airbags.

• For more information about seat belts, airbags and car safety seats, visit the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety at ots.dps.mn.gov.

• You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848; or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.