A 3-minute lesson from the Michigan course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Air bags add protection, but they deploy with force. Where children sit and how far you sit from the wheel matter. Michigan also limits leaving young children alone in a vehicle.
Know the rule
It is illegal to leave a child younger than 6 unattended in a vehicle when the time or circumstances create an unreasonable risk of harm or injury.
It's never safe to leave children or pets alone in a vehicle. Teach children that vehicles aren't play areas, lock your vehicle when not in use and keep keys away from children.
Air bags may be in the steering wheel, dashboard, roof columns and door panels. Sensors decide when they deploy based on the type and severity of the crash.
You run into a store and leave your 4-year-old in the car with her 14-year-old brother. That's not a violation: the child is supervised by someone 13 or older.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
When may a rear-facing child-restraint system be placed in the front seat?
Only if the child is over 20 pounds
Never
Anytime, if the seat is tightly secured
Only if the passenger air bag is off
Answer: Only if the passenger air bag is off
A rear-facing restraint may only go in the front seat if the front passenger air bag is deactivated.