New Rules to Reduce Dangers of Air Bags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is considering new rules to minimize the dangers of air bags to children and small adults, while preserving the lifesaving benefits of the devices.

Smart Technology

“Smart” air bag technology will allow the deployment force of the bag to be determined by factors such as the weight or position of the occupant. Development of the technology has been underway for some time, and Mercedes has already introduced a Seiman system that can detect the presence of a child safety seat in the front passenger position and disable the air bag.

Improved Warning Labels

There are two final rules requiring new, highly visible warning labels for all new cars and trucks. Labels will be placed on both sides of the sun visors, and another sticker that may be removed by the owner after delivery will be placed in the center of the dash. Also, labels will be placed on child safety seats advising parents of the dangers from air bags. The labels would be placed with the child’s head rests.

Cutoff Switches for Vehicles with No Rear Seat

NHTSA issued a final rule extending its existing policy of permitting manual air bag cutoff switches in vehicles without a back seat, or a vehicle with a back seat that is too small to install a child safety seat. This allows the air bag to be deactivated if the seating position is occupied by a child safety seat, but be operational for an adult passenger.

Depowering

NHTSA proposes a reduction of between 20–35 percent of the deployment force of air bags until smart technology is in place. The agency believes this action will reduce the incidence of injury and improve the performance of air bags for belted occupants including children, individuals with acute medical conditions, and small-stature adults, while still providing significant protection for unbelted occupants.

The most important fact for parents to remember is: Kids 12 and under should ride in the back seat and buckled up!