According to consumer interest groups and major automakers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) decision to remove warning labels on enhanced airbag systems places children at risk of serious injury and death. Known as "smart" airbags, the improved safety devices adjust inflation based on the size of the passenger. Current airbags, which expand at speeds nearing 200 miles per hour, inflate the same for everyone.

Automakers say the new "smart" systems are flawed. According to manufacturers, children in car seats may be confused for adults due to the extra weight of the carriers, while young adults may be mistaken for children when they take weight off seats by reclining or resting legs on the dashboard. Humidity and water may also cause a deployment error. The NHTSA, however, has removed warning labels advising that infants in rear-facing seats not be placed in front of the airbags. Children in rear-facing seats are the most vulnerable to airbags upon deployment.

Over 130 children have been killed by airbags since 1993. Automakers say the number of fatalities involving infants has dropped considerably in recent years due to warning labels and education campaigns.