An informal survey of auto repair facilities by AAA reveals that nearly two-thirds of shops currently won't install air-bag on-off switches because of concerns about potential liability.

In a survey of 700 new car dealerships and other repair facilities in 29 states, only 16 percent of shops said they plan on installing switches for motorists who have authorization from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Sixty-two percent of the facilities surveyed are currently not willing to perform the service. The remaining 22 percent are waiting for additional information from vehicle manufacturers or legal advisors.

"Repair facilities are worried about being sued if someone who could have been helped by an air bag is injured or killed," said Mark Edwards, managing director of AAA Traffic Safety. "Currently, it will take patience and research for motorists to find a shop in their area willing to install the switches."

Once a motorist locates a shop willing to install the switches, it will be necessary to make an appointment to have the switches installed since few shops have the required parts in stock. Ford and General Motors dealerships can order parts for many of their vehicle models. Switches for many other makes of vehicles may not be available currently.

In November, NHTSA agreed to allow motorists meeting specific criteria to have switches installed that temporarily deactivate air bags. Motorists wanting switches must send an application to NHTSA stating that they are unable to sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel or have a need to transport children under 12-years-old in the front seat. Written authorization from NHTSA must be presented to the repair shop before switches can be installed.

"AAA supports NHSTA's decision to allow air-bag switches for the limited number of motorists who are at risk from air-bag deployment," said Edwards.

NHTSA reports that approximately 7,000 applications have been approved since the first day switches could legally be installed.

Repair facilities willing to perform the switch installation estimate that the service will cost approximately $240 and take two hours.

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.