Chapter 4: Seat Belts, Air Bags and Child Safety Seats

A driver with passengers under 18 must ensure that they are…?

Properly secured in a safety belt, booster seat or child safety seat no matter where the child is seated in the vehicle.

How should you be wearing your seat belt?

Wear lap belt low on your lap and against your upper thighs. Wear a shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest. Both belts should be snug.

What is the only exception to not wearing a seat belt?

If the driver or passenger has a waiver from a licensed physician due to their physical or medical condition. They must carry the physician’s signed written statement. 

How far do you need to be from the steering wheel when your vehicle is equipped with airbags?

10 inches

If your vehicle is equipped with airbags, what should you do to ensure the airbag is toward your chest and not your head or neck?

Tilt the steering wheel downward, if adjustable.

What direction should children from birth to 2 years old be seated?

Children should be seated rear-facing, or as long as the safety seat manufacturer allows.

All children under what age should be secured in a booster or child safety seat?

All children under the age of 8.

What should you do if you have a child passenger and your vehicle does not have a back seat?

A rear-facing child may be placed in the front passenger seat only if the vehicle does not have a passenger-side air bag or if it is turned off.

Criteria for sitting without a booster seat:

• Tall enough to sit without slouching.

• Able to keep knees naturally bent over the edge of the seat.

• Able to sit all the way back against the vehicle seat back 

• Able to keep feet flat on the floor

  & Able to sit this way for the entire trip.

What is the only exception for a child passenger not wearing a child restraint?

If the child was granted a waiver of the child restraint law by a licensed physician

*THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPORTING THE CHILD MUST CARRY THE SIGNED WRITTEN STATEMENT BY THE PHYSICIAN*

Who is responsible for making sure that children are properly secured?

The driver

What are the consequences of violating the child restraint law?

You will be fined $50. A second or subsequent offense could mean a $500 penalty.

Where are children under age 12 safer in the car?

Buckled up in the back seat

How should pregnant women wear their seatbelts?

Wear the belt as low on the pelvis as possible.

What documents should you carry when driving?

A valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

How should you retrieve documents when asked by an officer?

Tell the officer where they are, then reach for them slowly while keeping one hand on the steering wheel.

What can you ask for if stopped by an officer in an unmarked car or not in uniform?

Ask to see the officer’s identification.

Does signing a citation mean you admit guilt?

No, signing is not an admission of guilt.

What can happen if you refuse to sign a citation?

You may be arrested or required to go to the police station

What should you do first if you are stopped by a police officer?

Remain calm.

Where should you pull your vehicle if stopped by a police officer?

To the side of the road in a safe location and park.

Should you stay in your vehicle or get out when stopped by the police?

Stay in your vehicle unless the officer asks you to get out.

What lights should you turn on when pulled over?

Your flashers.

What additional lights should you turn on if stopped at night?

The vehicle’s interior lights.

What should you turn off when stopped to help communication with the officer?

 Engine, radio, and any other device that could block communication.

Why should you roll down your window when stopped?

To communicate with the officer.

Should you keep your safety belt fastened when pulled over?

Yes, and passengers should also keep their belts fastened.

Where should you keep your hands when stopped by police?

In plain view, preferably on the steering wheel.

What kind of movement should you avoid when stopped by the police?

Any movement that may make the officer think you are hiding or reaching for something.

How should you answer an officer’s questions when pulled over?

Fully and clearly; if you disagree, wait to make your case in court.

What should children not be allowed to play with in the car?

Door handles or locks.

Where is the safest place to install a child safety seat?

In the center of the back seat.

What should you attend in Virginia to ensure your child’s safety seat is installed correctly?

A child safety seat check.

Is it legal to transport children under 16 in the bed of a pickup truck, even with a camper shell?

No, it is illegal

What should you do with car doors before driving when traveling with children?

Make sure all doors are securely closed and locked.

Why should you never hold a child in your lap while driving?

In a crash, the child may be crushed between your body and the dashboard or the back of the seat.

If your car has a child safety lock, what should you do?

Turn it on.

If you must open a car door while children are inside, what should you do first?

Pull the vehicle off the road and come to a complete stop.

Where should children never be allowed to ride?

In the luggage area of hatchbacks, station wagons, or vans.

What should you never do with a hatchback when a child is in the back seat?

Leave it open.