Air bags save lives but can pose some risks especially to infants, young children.

The overall performance of air bags has proved them to be very effective in reducing fatal and serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes, however some adverse side effects in addition to these benefits are becoming evident. According to this article, it is important to note that air bags aren't devices that protect every occupant in every crash from all types of injury. They're designed to work with safety belts in front and front-angle crashes, the most common kind of serious crash. It is the energy of an inflating air bag that, in some circumstances, can cause occupant injuries, usually minor but occasionally serious or fatal.