Seat belts and air bags

Plain guides for seat belts, air bags and keeping every passenger buckled in right

Seat belts and air bags work together, and both work best when you sit and buckle up the right way. This page brings together our guides on wearing a belt correctly, air bag safety, car seats and pets, and what to check after a crash.

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Seat belts

Buckle up on every trip, in every seat. Learn how a belt should fit, what your state requires and how to check the belt hardware.

Start hereSeat belt safety: correct fit, back seats, pregnancy and mythsHow seat belts protect you, how to wear one right and which myths to ignoreRead the guideSeat belt laws by state: back seats, enforcement, fines and exemptionsWhich seats your state's belt law covers, how it is enforced and what a ticket costsRead the guideSeat belt hardware: how to check webbing, buckles and retractors, and when to replace themCheck every belt in minutes, care for it properly and know when parts need replacingRead the guideWork vehicle seat belt policy: get every rider buckled on every tripHow to write and enforce a belt rule for every seat and every tripRead the guide15 passenger van safety: a guide for schools, churches and teamsHow to choose drivers, fill seats, check tires and plan trips so everyone gets home safelyRead the guide

Air bags and head restraints

Sit back from the steering wheel, set your head restraint and never ignore an air bag warning light. Take care with used cars and replacement parts.

Start hereAir bag safety: seating position, kids in back and safe repairsHow to sit safely, where kids ride and what to do after an air bag deploysRead the guideHead restraints and factory air bags: how to set them, check them and keep them workingSet your head restraint to cut whiplash risk and keep your air bag system readyRead the guideCounterfeit and substandard replacement air bags: a hidden risk in repaired carsHow fake inflators get into cars, the warning signs and how to check a car safelyRead the guideHow to check a used car for a prior air bag deployment before you buyUse records, a warning light test and visual clues to judge a past air bag repairRead the guideAftermarket modifications and crash protection: what to check before you modify or buyHow lifts, bumpers, seats and tires can change how air bags and belts protect youRead the guide

Kids, pets and every passenger

Children need the right car seat or booster. Pets, wheelchairs and loose cargo need to be secured so they don’t fly forward in a crash.

Start hereCar seats and booster seats: a guide to every stageWhen to switch seats, how to install one tight and where to get a free checkRead the guideRear facing car seats: how to choose, install and use one until your child outgrows itPick the right seat type, set the recline and track growth against each limitRead the guideBooster seats: high back or backless, the belt fit check and when to move onPick a booster, test belt fit in every seat and tell when your child is readyRead the guideChild passenger safety laws by state: legal minimums vs. best practiceWhat car seat, booster and front seat laws require and where best practice goes furtherRead the guideCrash tested pet restraints and carriers: why loose pets are risky and how to set one upChoose a pet harness, carrier or crate, size it right and install it securelyRead the guideWheelchair tiedowns and occupant restraints: securing the chair and rider on every tripUse four straps and both belts correctly in family vans, paratransit and busesRead the guideCargo nets, covers, partitions and load bars: what each one holds back and what it can’tMatch each piece of cargo gear to its job and restrain heavy items firstRead the guide

After a crash

Belts and air bags often need to be replaced after a crash. Learn what to check before you drive again, and watch for injuries a belt or air bag can leave behind.

Start hereAir bags and seat belts need checks before you drive againWhy air bags and seat belts need checks after a crash before you driveRead the guideSeat belt pretensioners: how to tell if yours fired and what replacement involvesSigns a pretensioner fired, a home belt check and what a proper repair includesRead the guideUndeployed air bags after a crash: why a damaged car’s safety system can still be liveWhere closed air bags and belt tighteners hide and how to stay safe around themRead the guideSeat belt cutters and window escape tools: when they help and why some windows won’t breakHow to choose, mount and use an escape tool, and plan for water or fireRead the guideA seat belt mark across a child’s belly after a crashWhy a seat belt mark on a child's belly needs a medical checkRead the guideAirbag dust in your eye: rinse first, then get checkedHow to rinse airbag dust from your eyes and when to get checkedRead the guide

More to read

Want to read more? Browse every seat belt and occupant protection guide in our library, or see our guides for kids and car seats.

Browse seat belt guidesKids, car seats and school trips

These guides offer general education, not medical, legal or mechanical advice. Follow your vehicle and car seat manuals, and have belts and air bags checked by a qualified shop after a crash.

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Safe Driving Resource Center

Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.

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