Final answer:
Air bags provide improved crash protection when combined with safety belts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about air bags is option 2) When combined with safety belts, air bags provide improved crash protection.
In a collision, air bags are designed to rapidly inflate and absorb the impact force, reducing the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants. However, air bags alone are not enough to provide full protection. The use of safety belts in conjunction with air bags is crucial for maximum safety.
Option 1) is incorrect because drivers should always wear a safety belt, even if their vehicle is equipped with air bags. Option 3) is also false as it is recommended that children age 12 and under sit in the back seat of a car, away from the potentially dangerous impact zone of the air bag.