PRESS RELEASE
AAA Supports Cut-Off Switches For Airbags
10 April 1997
AAA Supports Cut-Off Switches For AirbagsATLANTA, April 9 -- AAA said today it supports the installation of manual cut-off switches for airbags because of the potential danger posed by current airbag systems. Delegates to AAA's 94th annual meeting here said that all new vehicles with airbags should be fitted with on/off switches under the control of the driver. They also called on the government to allow existing vehicles with airbags to be retrofitted with on/off switches. The manual cut-off switch technology should include a mechanism to alert drivers and front-seat passengers in a prominent way when the air bag system is off. AAA said automobile manufacturers should develop and install as quickly as possible airbag systems that will deploy in a manner that will protect all front-seat occupants irrespective of physical stature. While airbags have proven to be highly effective in reducing fatalities and serious injuries to unbelted occupants, recent airbag injuries and fatalities involving children and small adults dictate the need for additional passenger protection, AAA said. AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 99 motor clubs with more than 1,000 offices providing its more than 39 million members in the United States and Canada with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services. SOURCE American Automobile Association
CONTACT: Bill Jackman, AAA, 202-942-2050