JohnG

NT<br>

Cameron

nt<br>

Rich B

To answer your first question, they are a kinder, gentler air bag. First generation were designed for the "Average"adult. It could wrench a light and/or short person of any age back against the seat hard enough to cause injury. The inflation rate and configuration of the new air bag designs are not so aggressive; they just do the job better for a wider range of bodies. As to the second question, Cameron answered it. That's with the key words being "if belted".

AlexI

A 2nd generation airbag has been depowered 20-30%. The NHTSA believes that there is not a substantial chance of death to a PROPERLY POSITIONED child from these new airbags but they have not ruled out SERIOUS INJURY. Plus you have the side air bag to worry about! If your child were to lean over or grab on to you during an accident they would be out of position and be at risk for death from the airbag! It is still heavily reccomended that all children under 12 ride in the back it is the safest place to be! There is a new airbag coming out that can sense when a child or child seat is in the front and will supposedly not deploy but these are down the road.

Reggie

Agree with Alex -my 11year old rides in the back.

Frank

Yes the 2nd generation air bags are "depowered", but they still pack a good punch. Children under 20Kg need to be in the back with a rear facing child seat, 20-40Kg still need to be in the back, in a car seat, but may face forwards. >40Kg, they can be out of the car seat but may need a booster seat to keep the seat belt properly position along the middle of the clavicle and across the lap, but still need to be in the back seat. Kids who are becoming adult size say about 50-60Kg or about 14 years of age can try the front seat, but the seat needs to be away from the dash.<br>Hope this helps.<br>Dr.Osborn<br>