The average 150 lb. female passenger can easily hold an unbelted 10 lb. infant in her lap at 25 mph in a collision. Is this statement true or false?

The statement is false because during a collision, the force of the impact can be incredibly strong, and the dynamics at play make it virtually impossible for a 150 lb. female passenger to safely hold a 10 lb. infant unbelted. In a crash at 25 mph, objects (including people) can experience forces that are many times their weight due to inertia.

When the vehicle suddenly stops, the unrestrained infant would continue moving forward at the same speed, leading to a situation where the passenger may not be able to hold onto the infant securely. The infant’s weight, when combined with the effects of an unexpected stop, can create a force that exceeds what an average adult could manage physically. This scenario highlights the importance of using seat belts and appropriate child safety seats to ensure the safety of younger passengers in a vehicle.