AAA Backs Air Bag Switch Ruling, Launches Educational Campaign

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18 November 1997

AAA Backs Air Bag Switch Ruling, Launches Educational Campaign


    WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 -- AAA said today it supports the
decision by the government to allow the installation of switches to
temporarily deactivate air bags.
    "This ruling enhances the safety of all drivers and their passengers,"
said Mark Edwards, managing director of AAA Traffic Safety.  "The on-off
switch preserves the safety value of air bags while offering protection for
the few people at risk from air-bag deployment."
    AAA is launching a campaign to educate its 40 million members and all
motorists on the proper use of air-bag switches.  Brochures and other
educational material will be available from AAA clubs nationwide by early
December.
    "Air bags save lives when drivers and passengers are properly positioned
and restrained," said Edwards.  "The overwhelming majority of motorists should
never deactivate their air bag."
    Before the switches can be installed, motorists must receive an
authorization letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA).  To get authorization, motorists must send a form to NHTSA stating
they meet at least one of four criteria.  The criteria are: (1) unable to sit
10 inches from the air bag, (2) are at risk from air bags due to a medical
condition, or (3) must transport children in a vehicle without a rear seat or
(4) must transport more children than can be accommodated in the rear seat.
    AAA also reminds motorists that the safest place for children to ride is
in the back seat, even in vehicles not equipped with air bags.
    "For children, the key to air bag safety is to be properly restrained in
the back seat," said Edwards.  "For adults, the key is to be properly
restrained with a safety zone of at least 10 inches between their chest and
the air bag."
    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 97 clubs with more than 1,000
offices providing 40 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel,
insurance, financial and auto-related services.
    AAA news releases can be downloaded from the following sites:
AOL -- Keyword:  AAA; Click on "News and Events," "News Releases."
INTERNET -- http://www.aaa.com/news/news.html

SOURCE  American Automobile Association