Why do cars have passenger side airbag on/off switch?

Question

I'm looking to buy a newer version civic and I came across this weird feature in my research ... is it for car seats or something?

Answer 1

I never let my grandchildren sit in the front passenger seat if there isn't an airbag switch.  The airbag deploying can snap a child's neck back, even kill them.  Airbags are meant for adults, not kids.

Answer 2

Yea, in general, it is dangerous for the airbag to be on if a child is in the front seat.

Answer 3

Smaller kids can submarine under the air bag.  Also, you don't want the airbag to deploy sometimes depending on what else might be in the seat - groceries, boxes, etc.  And, if there is no one sitting there, why spend 100s of dollars more to replace an airbag that did nothing?

Answer 4

Yes it is for the safety for the child that is in the passengers seat.

Answer 5

body weight. if the person sitting in the seat is too light, it will go off.  a person over 40 pounds will turn it on

Answer 6

yeah its for like the baby seats that turn the other way. dont want the youngins to die...