Auto Mechanics Denounce Deactivation of Air Bags
27 August 1997
Auto Mechanics Denounce Deactivation of Air Bags
HERNDON, Va., Aug. 27 -- Nearly one in five motorists would
pay to deactivate a driver-side air bag, but a majority of the nation's top
automotive mechanics say it's a bad idea.
A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that
16 percent of motorists would pay $50 to $200 to have a mechanic disconnect
the safety device. However, a national survey of master mechanics shows that
a majority of them believe that disconnecting air bags puts motorists more at
risk.
"The air bag is a good feature when used with a safety belt, whether
you're a driver or passenger. It should remain connected," said Rich White, a
spokesperson for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE). "Professional auto technicians are also parents and family people.
Their advice is common sense; keep airbags connected, use safety belts at all
times and properly use anti-lock brakes for best overall safety. It's that
simple."
According to the fifth annual Valvoline/ASE Poll of the American Mechanic,
58 percent of mechanics say it is a poor idea to allow consumers to deactivate
air bags, and 47 percent say it is a poor idea to allow professional
automotive technicians to disable air bags upon request.
The best safety feature is the seat belt, 57 percent of mechanics say.
Anti-lock brakes was the second choice (23 percent), followed by air bags
(16 percent).
The Valvoline/ASE survey shows a differing perspective on the issue of
installing on-off airbag switches, as proposed by federal regulators, and runs
counter to plans by the Competitive Enterprise Institute to publish extensive
instructions on how consumers can deactivate air bags unless the federal
government allows mechanics to do it. The CEI is an anti-regulation lobbying
group and longtime air bag opponent.
"Air bags, when used with seat belts and common sense, provide the safest
way to drive," White said. "Master technicians have a say in this. They are
the ones who might have to deactivate these air bags and install on-off
switches. Their opinions on motorist safety are important to every consumer
who drives and should be given a lot of weight. Deactivating air bags is
simply not a good idea."
Fleishman-Hillard Research, St. Louis, completed the telephone survey in
July, interviewing a national sample of 200 ASE master technicians. Sample
error is plus or minus 4 to plus 7 percentage points.
ASE, established in 1972, offers a nationwide testing and certification
program for automobile, truck and collision repair technicians, engine
machinists, and parts specialists, twice a year. Master technicians are those
who pass eight of ASE's automobile tests -- engine repair, automatic
transmission, manual drive, suspension and steering, heating and air
conditioning, electrical systems, brakes and engine performance.
Valvoline motor oil is the No. 1 choice of top mechanics for use in their
own vehicles. It is a division of Ashland Inc.
Contact Mike Maher, 314-982-1766, for poll results.
SOURCE Fleishman-Hillard Research