Update: fatal air bag-related injuries to children- United States, 1993-1996

Between January 1993 and November 1996, the number of children who died as a result of air bag deployment increased, as did the proportion of vehicles equipped with dual air bags; most of the children were unrestrained or incorrectly restrained. Until passenger vehicles and light trucks are equipped with smart air bags (appropriate for persons of different sizes and ages), all children aged less than 12 years should ride in the back seat using age and size appropriate occupant restraints. This article provides detailed recommendations for preventing such injures to infants and children.