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Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question: My vehicle is equipped with airbags. Do I need to wear my seat belt?

Answer: Yes, seat belt use is required. An airbag is a supplemental restraint system. Airbags work with seat belts to prevent injuries but are not designed to keep occupants from being ejected. For safety reasons, children under age 13 must ride in the back seat if it is available.

Try to keep at least 10 inches between yourself and the steering wheel. Keep your hands at the 8 and 4 o’clock or 9 and 3 o’clock positions on the steering wheel.

Move front passenger seats as far back as possible. Read your operator’s manual before driving or riding in a vehicle with airbags.

For more information about seat belts, airbags and car safety seats, visit the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety website at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/seat-belts-air-bags/Pages/default.aspx

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848, or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.