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 ... Read More »

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OMB. No. 2127-0588Expiration Date: 11/30/00 REQUEST FOR AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH Vehicle Owner or Lessee Instructions: Read the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) information brochure, “Air Bags & On-Off Switches, Information for an Informed Decision.” If you want authorization for an on-off switch for your driver air bag, passenger ... Read More »

There’s no denying it; air bags do save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 1600 accident victims are alive today because of an air bag. However, air bags can also kill. The decapitation of a one-year-old girl in Idaho just before Thanksgiving of 1996 increased the number of child fatalities caused by air bags to ... Read More »

Ever wonder if airbags are a safety risk? Here is all the information you need in order to know if you should keep them turned on. Read More »

Weight or size of your child Proper type of restraint(Put your child in back seat, if possible)   Children less than 20 pounds,* or less than 1 year   Rear-facing infant seat (secured to the vehicle by the seat belts)   Children from about 20 to 40 pounds* and at least 1 year   Forward-facing child seat (secured to the ... Read More »

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 ... Read More »

NewCarBuyingGuide.com does not often update this list of companies who will install on-off switches. We are happy to take new listings but for a more comprehensive list, check the NHTSA website. Alabama Installers Found Scogin Brothers Auto 5315 Valley Road Fairfield, AL  35064 phone: 205-785-1123 GM Only Gulf Chrysler-Plymouth- Dodge 2801 South McKenzie Foley, AL  36535 phone: 334-943-5075 (DaimlerChrysler only – sale ... Read More »

Since the risk zone for driver air bags is the first 2-3 inches of inflation, placing yourself 10 inches from your driver air bag provides you with a clear margin of safety. This distance is measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. If you now sit less than 10 inches away, you can change your driving ... Read More »

What is an on-off switch? An on-off switch allows an air bag to be turned on and off. The on-off switch can be installed for the driver, passenger, or both. To limit misuse, a key must be used to operate the on-off switch. When the air bag is turned off, a light comes on. There is a message on or ... Read More »

If I turn off my airbag for someone at risk, what precautions should I take for others? Since the airbag will not automatically turn itself back on after you turn it off with an on-off switch, you must remember to turn it on when someone who is not at risk is sitting in that seat. Every on-off switch has a ... Read More »