Airbag On/Off Switch?

If you've heard recent stories about the potential danger of airbags, you may be considering an airbag on/off switch. The federal government has issued procedures allowing people at risk of serious airbag injury to get switches; but these aren't appropriate for most people.

Are you at risk of airbag injury? Most people who have been harmed by airbags weren't using safety belts or child restraints at the time. Safety belts are an important supplement to airbags. Both work together as a system, and one without the other isn't as effective.

In addition, drivers should always sit at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel. Belted drivers at risk are the very few positioned so the center of the chest is closer than 10 inches from the center of the steering wheel.

If you usually sit this close, try other options before seeking an airbag on/off switch. Try a new seating position. Consider pedal extenders. Some drivers need only sit back rather than leaning forward. Without airbags, even belted drivers move forward in serious frontal crashes, and their faces often hit the steering wheel.

Remember: It's also safer to put children in back. That means there's only a rare need to switch off a passenger airbag -- for example, when an infant with medical problems requires constant observation and the driver is the only adult in the car.