U.S. Government to Relax Air Bag Rules

12/31/96

The Associated Press reports that the U.S. government is poised to allow automakers to install less forceful air bags in new cars and to make it easier for consumers to have the devices disconnected.

A Transportation Department official said last Friday that the Department would formally propose new federal air bag rules early this week. According to government statistics, air bags have saved more than 1,600 lives, but they have also killed 32 children and infants and 20 adults--mostly smaller women. Most of the deaths resulted from airbag deployment in low-speed accidents that the victims would have otherwise survived.

In his weekly radio address, President Clinton said, "this much is clear, air bags do save lives. At the same time, air bags inflate with considerable force and can pose risks to children sitting unbuckled in the front passenger seat instead of buckled up in the back seat where they belong."

The proposed rule changes come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and will be open for public comment during an expedited 30-day period. Regulators expect to make a final decision on the proposal in early 1987, and President Clinton predicted that the rules could take effect by this spring.

Car manufacturers have said that the new rules must be in place by mid-February to guarantee the installation of less forceful air bags in 1998 model automobiles.

According to the proposal:

Air bags that deploy at speeds of up to 200 mph could be installed with 20 to 35 percent less force. The slower deployment speeds would still protect passengers wearing seat belts in case of a crash.

Owners could ask mechanics to disconnect their air bags after being told the risks. The current law, requires owners to petition the government for permission. 800 people have made the petition, but only 10 percent of the requests have been granted.

Automakers could install cutoff switches for cars with no back seats or no room for child safety seats. Drivers with only front seats would be able to switch off the air bag when their children are along.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel