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[FAQS] [Seat Belts] [Airbags] [Child Safety Seats] [Related Sites]

Did You Know...

  • Every child under 4 years old, regardless of weight, and every child weighing 40 pounds or less, regardless of age, must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat
  • Drivers and front seat passengers regardless of age are required to wear seat belts.
  • All children younger than 16 years of age must be in a child safety seat or a vehicle's seat belt in all seating positions in all vehicles.
  • You can receive a fine for not buckling up
  • Wearing a seat belt can reduce chances of being killed or seriously injured in a car accident by 40-55%.
  • Every year more than 50,000 infants and children are injured or killed in automobile crashes.
  • According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , using a child car seat correctly can reduce the risk of death and injuries from crashes up to 70%.
  • There has been a decrease of 40% in fatalities in countries where seat belts are mandatory.


Seat Belts

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The seatbelt fines are as follows:

  • If the driver and front seat adult passenger are not buckled up, each receives a $25.00 fine.
  • If the passenger is 15 years of age or younger, a $48.00 fine is imposed.

Exceptions:

    • Medical-Those who have a written certificate from a Maryland licensed physician stating a medical reason that would prevent appropriate restraint due to a person's physical disability or other medical reason are exempt from the seatbelt law.
    • Children-If a Maryland licensed physician certifies in writing that use of a child safety seat by a particular child would be impractical due to the child's weight, physical unfitness, or other medical reason is exempt from the law.
    • Drivers and passengers of Class L (historical) motor vehicles.

Airbags

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Airbags are designed for frontal impact crashes, the kind of crashes that account for more than half of all passenger vehicle occupant deaths. Air bags are designed to limit head and chest injuries. But they only supplement safety belts, they do not replace them! Together, when used properly, they can save lives. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, airbags have reduced fatalities up to 30% in head-on crashes.

Airbag Safety Tips:

  • Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in the rear seat.
  • Infants in rear facing child safety seats should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag.
  • Small children should ride in rear seat in a child safety seat approved for their age and size.
  • Check your vehicle owner's manual and the instructions provided with your child safety seat for correct use information.
  • Everyone should buckle up with both lap AND shoulder belts on every trip.
  • Driver and front passenger seats should be moved as far back as practical, particularly for shorter statured people.



Air Bag FAQS
Who can get a on-off switch for an air bag?

  • Individuals with medical conditions where the risks of a deploying air bag exceed the risk of impacting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield in the absence of an air bag.
  • Individuals who cannot position themselves to properly operate the vehicle with the center of their breastbone at least 10 inches back from the center of the driver air bag cover.
  • Individuals with the need to transport an infant in a rear-facing child restraint in the front seat because the vehicle has no rear seat, the rear seat is too small to accommodate a rear-facing child restraint, or because it is necessary to constantly monitor the child's medical condition.
  • Individuals with the need to carry children between 1 and 12 years old in the front seat because the vehicle has no rear seat, the consumer must carry more children than can be accommodated in the rear seat, or because it is necessary to constantly monitor a child's medical condition.


How can most people ride safely with air bags?

  • Move your seat rearward, and tilt your seat back - as a driver, you should ride at least 10 inches (measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone) from the air bag cover if you can do this while maintaining full control of your vehicle. If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. Passengers also need to sit at least 10 inches back from the air bag. Wear your seat belt, and remove and excess slack in the belt.
  • See the tips available from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).


How do I get an of-off switch?

  • First, get a copy of NHTSA's information brochure, Air Bags and On-Off Switches: Information for an Informed Decision," and the accompanying form, Request for Air Bag On-Off Switch. The brochure and request form is available at NHTSA's web site, many new car dealers, state motor vehicle administration, and all AAA clubs.


Child Safety Seats

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  • First of all, the safest place for any child 12 years old and under is in the back seat.
  • Infants should ride in a rear-facing child safety seat in the BACK seat of the vehicle until they are AT LEAST 20 lbs. and AT LEAST 1 year old.
  • Children over 20 pounds and over 1 year old may ride in a car seat that faces the front of the vehicle if the shoulder straps, in the correct position according to the manufacturers' directions, fit the child correctly. If the shoulder straps are too far above the infant's shoulders, the infant should remain rear facing in a seat that has a rear facing capacity over 20 pounds, until the shoulder straps fir correctly.
  • Children over 40 pounds should ride in a booster seat until the car's lap and shoulder belts fit properly: lap belt must fit low and snug on their hips; shoulder belt must not cross their face or neck. NEVER put the shoulder belt behind any driver or passenger's back or under the arm.

Other Sites Related to Occupant Protection:

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[FAQS] [Seat Belts] [Airbags] [Child Safety Seats]


Frederick County Highway Safety Task Force.