ADVISORY/Experts Available To Discuss New Air Bag Rules

    --April 9, 2002--

TOPIC:	According to a USA TODAY analysis of federal databases, consumer complaints about current air bag systems have been on the rise -- so far in 2002, more than 800 complaints have been filed. Automakers are currently working on the September 2003 deadline for more sophisticated air bag systems. However, according to the USA TODAY article, major automakers are concerned that the new, advanced air bag sensors won't be reliable enough for installation by the deadline.
EXPERTS:	ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

Ian Riches, senior industry analyst for Strategy Analytics, is an expert in the market for automotive electronics, and for the last five years has been the chief author of Strategy Analytics' widely-respected Automotive System Demand Forecast annual publication. He has a Masters Degree in Engineering from Cambridge University. +44 1582 589806, iriches@strategyanalytics.com

    Dr. Russel Brantman is an independent consultant who is an expert regarding occupant and vehicle safety analysis, airbag and seatbelt occupant restraint system design and airbag injury. 813/977-8877

    Dr. Maria Segui-Gomez, of Harvard University, School of Public Health Harvard Injury Control Research Center, is particularly interested in the development and application of outcomes measures (e.g., severity, disability) and in the evaluation (including economic evaluation) of injury prevention interventions. Recently she reviewed how cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis have been applied to injury prevention programs. Her current work entails the application of cost-effectiveness techniques to airbag designs. 617/432-1143; 617/495-1000 (University PR Phone)



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