Kids Are Always Safer in the Back Seat

“In Harm’s Way” (Aug. 19) provides some useful information on the development of new air bag technology. But the story neglected to include information for parents and caregivers on what they can do today to help protect their children in the event of a motor vehicle crash--especially if their car has a passenger-side air bag.

The fact of the matter is that air bags save lives--over 1,500 in the last nine years. And you can entirely eliminate any danger to kids from a deploying air bag by placing kids in the back seat. The back seat is, and has always been, the safest place for kids in a motor vehicle.

While it is important to focus on the technology that can make air bags even smarter, it is also vital that parents and other drivers know the steps they can take now to prevent injury in motor vehicle crashes.

JANET DEWEY

National Automotive Occupant

Protection Campaign

Washington, D.C.