My car does turn off the air bags as well. I guess my problem is that Mikki just wasn't used to riding in a car seat until we got her. She spends the entire trip trying to get out of it. While Rosie just lays there. My thinking was that if she was closer to me that she would calm down a little. But if safety is an issue than I need to reconsider. I have just been afraid she might get tangled and choke herself.