Car Industry Ponders Air Bag Problems

08/26/96

The Associated Press reported that the Big Three automakers are proposing changes in government test standards that would allow them to install air bags that inflate less forcefully.

Government statistics show that 24 children and 19 adults have been killed by deploying air bags since the mid 1980s. Those deaths and the injuries that result from airbag deployment have automakers wondering what to do about the safety devices, which are being installed in more and more cars.

Vann Wilber, director for vehicle safety at the American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) in Detroit, said "We don't want air bags to get a bad reputation. They're saving lives. They're doing some good things, but we think they could be made better."

The AAMA was scheduled to make its proposal for airbags that inflate less forcefully to the government and media on Friday. Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors are the AAMA's sole members.

Air bags currently deploy at up to 200 miles per hour in less time than the blink of an eye. The AAMA proposal would change government crash tests that require an air bag to deploy with enough force to cushion an unbelted dummy in a 30 mph crash into a solid barrier. The proposal would keep the test at 30 mph, but changes the test to account for most real-world crashes, which happen with less force and over a greater length of time. That change would allow manufacturers flexibility to reduce the force and speed of air bag deployment, Wilber said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has repeatedly said air bags have saved more than 1,500 lives and are an are an important safety feature. The agency also warns that airbags can be dangerous for children who do not wear seat belts, are in rear-facing infant seats, or are close to the dashboard when the bag deploys.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel