Airbags are proven, effective safety devices. From their introduction in the late 1980's through November 1, 1997, air bags saved about 2,620 people. The number of people saved increases each year as airbags become more common on America's roads.
However, the number of lives saved is not the whole story. Airbags are particularly effective in preventing life-threatening and debilitating head and chest injuries. A study of real-world crashes conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that the combination of seat belts and airbags is 75 percent effective in preventing serious head injuries and 66 percent effective in preventing serious chest injuries. That means 75 of every 100 people who would have suffered a serious head injury in a crash, and 66 out of 100 people who would have suffered chest injuries, were spared that fate because they wore seat belts and had airbags.
For some people, these life saving and injury-preventing benefits come at the cost of a less severe injury caused by the airbag itself. Most airbag injuries are minor cuts, bruises, or abrasions and are far less serious than the skull fractures and brain injuries that airbags prevent. However, 87 people have been killed by airbags as of November 1, 1997. These deaths are tragic, but rare events -- there have been about 1,800,000 airbag deployments as of that same date.
The one fact that is common to all who died is NOT their height, weight, sex, or age. Rather, it is the fact that they were too close to the airbag when it started to deploy. For some, this occurred because they were sitting too close to the airbag. More often this occurred because they were not restrained by seat belts or child safety seats and were thrown forward during pre-crash braking.
The vast majority of people can avoid being too close and can minimize the risk of serious airbag injury by making simple changes in behavior. Shorter drivers can adjust their seating position. Front seat adult passengers can sit a safe distance from their airbag. Infants and children 12 and under should sit in the back seat. And everyone can buckle up. The limited number of people who may not be able to make these changes may benefit from having the opportunity to turn off their airbags when necessary.
Beginning January 19, 1998, consumers can choose to have an on-off switch installed for the air bags in their vehicle if they are, or a user of their vehicle is, in a risk group listed below. The following information provides the facts you need about air bags so you can make the appropriate decision for you and anyone else who is in a risk group.
