[Content]
Introduction

The Airbag System for Frontal Crashes

When Do Airbags Deploy?

When a Collision Occurs

What Happens After a Deployment?

Airbag Contact Injuries

Airbags, Safety Belts and Child Safety Seats

New Technologies

Summary

Deactivation

letter "T"he vast majority of people can benefit greatly from an air bag, and can reduce any risk of air bag contact injuries just by buckling up on every trip and properly restraining children 12 and under in a rear seat. Almost all air bag-related deaths have involved unrestrained or improperly restrained occupants. Since the combination of an air bag and a safety belt reduces the risk of serious head injury by 83 percent, consumers are urged to carefully consider their needs prior to installing an on/off switch.

However, NHTSA will allow some consumers to install an on/off switch to disconnect a driver or passenger air bag, but only if they fall into one of the following categories:
    • Those who have a medical condition that places them at specific risk.
    • Those who cannot adjust their driver's position to keep at least 10 inches from the steering wheel.
    • Those who cannot avoid situations that
      require a child 12 or under to ride in the
      front seat.

Automakers are not required to make the switches available, nor are dealers required to install them. Due to vehicle design and other considerations, switches may not be availablefor all vehicle makes and models.

Even those who may be eligible for the on/off switch may be able to safely accommodate the air bag by going through the following steps:

  • Discuss your medical condition with your physician and together decide whether an air bag switch is appropriate for you.
  • To get more space between you and the steering wheel, move the seat farther back or adjust the angle of the seatback. If you are shopping for a new car, sit in several models or consider a power seat option to enable you to sit comfortably farther away from the steering wheel.
  • Children are safer in a rear seating position, with or without an air bag. In more than 70% of the cases where a child in the front seat was killed in a crash, there was a vacant rear seating position available. If you are looking for a new car, select one with enough rear seating positions to accommodate the maximum number of children you expect to transport.

If you still think you need an on/off switch, contact yourcartoon - woman and man walking vehicle manufacturer to find out if a switch is available for your vehicle. You will then need to obtain permission to install the switch from NHTSA by obtaining a request form (1-888-327-4236 or www.nhtsa.dot.gov).