Even with air bags, drivers, passengers still need seat belts

Motorists may think they are in a bubble of security surrounded by air bags in doors, ceilings, seats and dashboards of newer model cars. But safety officials say the newer air bags deploy and retract within milliseconds, leaving passengers at risk of being thrown about the car if they're not wearing seat belts.

Dave Long, an air-bag safety specialist and expert on hybrid vehicles, said that air bags, while documented with saving thousands of lives, have also been blamed for injuries or fatalities when occupants weren't been wearing seat belts or did not wear them properly.

Drivers should always wear safety belt snug across hips and shoulder strap between neck and shoulder tip, sit back at least 10 inches from the steering wheel and keep that area clear of objects.

Passengers should wear a seat belt properly with the seat as far back as possible. Never use a rear-facing child seat in front or place children age 12 or under in front. If the seat belt doesn't fit, get a booster seat for children up to 8 years old, 80 pounds or at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

Do not brace yourself on the dash or raise your hands in the event of a collision, or store or mount anything on the dash.