National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Smart Air Bags

12/10/96

The NHTSA announced new rulings that will effect air bag construction and safety. SMART AIR BAGS that will "tailor" the amount of force to be used to the occupant of a seat will be developed. IMPROVED WARNING LABELS will be affixed to car sun visors. DEPOWERING for safety will be studied in regards to air bag use with children and seniors. CUT-OFF SWITCHES will be considered for use in vehicles such as pick- ups that have limited back seat space. OPTIONS FOR OWNERS will be considered so the driver can actually turn off the air bag activator in some instances.

The NHTSA says that air bags work well and bear responsibility for an overall reduction in driver fatalities of 11%, but that the department must constantly monitor their use and construction.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel