Air Bag Safety (June 1, 1998)There's widespread interest in getting an air bag shut-off switch. The problem is getting one installed. More than 30,000 drivers in America received government authorization to get the on-off switch put in their vehicles. But, as of today, only 1,000 people have done it. News Specialist Angela An explains the problem and what's being done to solve it.
Drivers looking for a dealership or mechanic to install an air bag on-off switch need look no further. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration now lists on its web site nearly 400 places in the country which will do it. So why then, have less than five percent of those approved for the switch actually had it done?
RANDY SANDSTROM/WARNER SUPERFORD: "OVERALL I THINK DEALERS ARE A LITTLE BIT CONFUSED ABOUT IT, THE PUBLIC'S A LITTLE BIT CONFUSED ABOUT IT, THERE'S JUST NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION OUT THERE THAT TELLS EVERYBODY WHAT THEY SHOULD DO."
Although some dealerships say they will install air bag switches, only two in Utah are listed on the web site, simply because they're the only ones who have done the work. Mike Young Chevrolet in Monticello, and Crandall Ford Mercury in Park City, which installs switches ONLY on a case-by-case basis.
ANGELA AN/EYEWITNESS NEWS,: "MANY OF UTAH'S CAR DEALERS AND MECHANICS SAY THEY WON'T INSTALL THE SWITCH BECAUSE OF LIABILITY REASONS. BUT THAT'S SOMETHING THE GOVERNMENT SAYS THEY SHOULDN'T WORRY ABOUT."
Car owners must first cite specific reasons for getting an air bag on-off switch. They include drivers who must transport infants or children in the front seat, drivers or passengers with special medical conditions, or drivers who cannot sit more than 10-inches away from the air bag cover.
"IF IT'S TURNED ON, IT WON'T ACTIVATE. IF IT'S TURNED OFF, IT WILL ACTIVATE AND PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO OPERATE IT."
If approved, car owners can bring the letter of authorization to ANY dealer or mechanic, although they have the right to choose NOT to install the switch. Those that do may require drivers to sign a waiver, releasing the business from any liabilty. The cost of getting an airbag switch installed -- roughly $250.
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