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PRESS RELEASE

AAA Supports Cut-Off Switches For Airbags

10 April 1997

AAA Supports Cut-Off Switches For Airbags

    ATLANTA, April 9 -- AAA said today it supports the
installation of manual cut-off switches for airbags because of the potential
danger posed by current airbag systems.
    Delegates to AAA's 94th annual meeting here said that all new vehicles
with airbags should be fitted with on/off switches under the control of the
driver.  They also called on the government to allow existing vehicles with
airbags to be retrofitted with on/off switches.
    The manual cut-off switch technology should include a mechanism to alert
drivers and front-seat passengers in a prominent way when the air bag system
is off.
    AAA said automobile manufacturers should develop and install as quickly as
possible airbag systems that will deploy in a manner that will protect all
front-seat occupants irrespective of physical stature.
    While airbags have proven to be highly effective in reducing fatalities
and serious injuries to unbelted occupants, recent airbag injuries and
fatalities involving children and small adults dictate the need for additional
passenger protection, AAA said.
    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 99 motor clubs with more than
1,000 offices providing its more than 39 million members in the United States
and Canada with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services.

SOURCE  American Automobile Association

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CONTACT: Bill Jackman, AAA, 202-942-2050