Description:
An air bag on-off switch overrides the automatic deployment function of vehicle
airbags and can be installed for the driver, passenger, or both. In
order to operate the switch, a special key is required to reduce
the chances of misuse. When the air bag is turned off,
a light appears stating
DRIVER AIR BAG
OFF or PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF. The
air bag remains deactivated
until the key is used to turn the
system back on.
Purpose: An air bag on-off
switch allows an air bag to be turned off for special circumstances.
Some scenarios where air bag deployments may be risky include:
- When absolutely essential to transport infants riding in
rear-facing infant seats in the front passenger seat.
- When absolutely essential to transport children ages 1 to 12
in the front passenger seat.
- When drivers cannot change their customary driving position
and keep 10 inches between the center of the steering wheel and
the center of their breastbone.
- For people whose doctors claim that because of a medical
condition, an air bag poses a special risk that exceeds the risk
of hitting their head, neck or chest in a crash when the air bag
is turned off.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Deactivating your air bag will not
benefit you or other users of your vehicle. Instead, it will
increase the risk that you and the other users will suffer a head,
neck or chest injury by violently striking the steering wheel or
dashboard in a moderate to severe crash. The installation and use of
an air bag switch is only allowed under the above conditions and
should be performed by a trained service professional. Not all
repair facilities install air bag switches. You can find a list of
providers by going to the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov and clicking on air
bags.
