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Route 97: Airbag deaths spur search for improvements
January 13, 1997
Web posted at: 10:25 p.m. ESTDETROIT (CNN) -- The debate over the desirability of airbags in automobiles has heated up in recent years.
Although they have deployed 200,000 times or more and saved more than 1,000 lives, they have also taken lives. Thirty-two children and 20 adults have been killed by airbags, at last count, and that fact has not gone unnoticed. (1.2M/32 sec. QuickTime movie)
"I would like to have mine taken out," says one Detroit motorist.
Another Detroiter, Dan Thompson, is inclined to keep his.
"My boss was in a head-on collision and walked away from it without any scratches, so it kinda sold me on airbags," says Thompson.
A third, Phil d'Ambrosio, would like to keep his options open. "I think I'd like the option of having it or not having it," he says.
People with children especially concerned
Taking heed of the debate, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will soon institute measures aimed at reducing air bag dangers. Among the measures to be taken are lessening the explosive force of the bags, allowing drivers to deactivate them, and mandating the development of so- called "smart" airbags.
"That is a big concern," says Dr. Jeffrey Joffe. "One of my kids is six years old, so that is a major concern."
The Big Three automobile manufacturers in this country have agreed to develop viable smart airbags by model year 1999. (680K/18 sec. QuickTime movie)
TRW, which manufactures safety belts, is working on a sensor that detects the weight of the occupant, the position of the occupant, and whether the seat belt is engaged or not.
If the occupant is too close to the bag, or not in his seatbelt, the air bag force will be reduced. If a rear-facing infant seat is in front, the sensor de-activates the airbag completely.
New knee bags already in use
Meanwhile, other suppliers are developing even more types of airbags to protect drivers and passengers.
Morton International, for example, is working on a knee bag that is being installed on the new Kia Sportage.
"They can reduce the injuries to your lower legs, the tibia and so forth," says spokesman Randy Kelly.
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Vivo's technical FAQ Morton is also working on air bags for side-impact crashes to protect smaller drivers.
"If you put it in the seat," says Kelly, "you go where the seat goes. The protection stays with you."
And TRW is working in conjunction with several car companies on a curtain airbag that deploys both in rear and front and protects passengers from side impact while also remaining inflated if the car rolls over.
But no matter where the air bag is placed, safety experts say the best way to avoid being injured by airbags is to use the seatbelt and shoulder harness. And make sure that the kids always ride in the back.
Return to CNN Interactive all week for Route '97, a series of reports from the Annual North American Auto Show. Each day we will examine another aspect of the auto industy's plans for 1997 -- including a look at the latest offerings from the Big Three.
Check back daily for these reports:
- Wednesday, January 15: 1997 car prices: Too high?
- Thursday, January 16: What sold and what flopped in 1996
- Friday, January 17: The latest showroom and concept cars
Related stories:
- Electric avenue: First rechargable car gets mixed reviews - January 12, 1997
- New air bag rules proposed to ease impact - December 30, 1996
- Automakers reach concensus on air bag improvements - November 15, 1996
Related sites:
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- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Morton International, Inc.
- Chrysler Corporation
- Ford Motors
- General Motors
- KIA Motors
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