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AAA Survey Finds 62% Of Repair Shops Unwilling To Install Air-Bag Switches

22 January 1998

AAA Survey Finds 62% Of Repair Shops Unwilling To Install Air-Bag Switches

    ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 22 -- An informal survey of auto repair
facilities by AAA reveals that nearly two-thirds of shops currently won't
install air-bag on-off switches because of concerns about potential liability.
    In a survey of 700 new car dealerships and other repair facilities in 29
states, only 16 percent of shops said they plan on installing switches for
motorists who have authorization from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA).
    Sixty-two percent of the facilities surveyed are currently not willing to
perform the service.  The remaining 22 percent are waiting for additional
information from vehicle manufacturers or legal advisors.
    "Repair facilities are worried about being sued if someone who could have
been helped by an air bag is injured or killed," said Mark Edwards, managing
director of AAA Traffic Safety.  "Currently, it will take patience and
research for motorists to find a shop in their area willing to install the
switches."
    Once a motorist locates a shop willing to install the switches, it will be
necessary to make an appointment to have the switches installed since few
shops have the required parts in stock.  Ford and General Motors dealerships
can order parts for many of their vehicle models.  Switches for many other
makes of vehicles may not be available currently.
    In November, NHTSA agreed to allow motorists meeting specific criteria to
have switches installed that temporarily deactivate air bags.  Motorists
wanting switches must send an application to NHTSA stating that they are
unable to sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel or have a need to
transport children under 12 years old in the front seat.  Written
authorization from NHTSA must be presented to the repair shop before switches
can be installed.
    "AAA supports NHSTA's decision to allow air-bag switches for the limited
number of motorists who are at risk from air-bag deployment," said Edwards.
    Monday was the first day switches could legally be installed.  NHTSA
reports that approximately 7,000 applications have been approved.
    Repair facilities willing to perform the switch installation estimate that
the service will cost approximately $240 and take two hours.
    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 97 clubs with more than 1,000
offices providing 40 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel,
insurance, financial and auto-related services.

SOURCE  American Automobile Association