America's Car Companies Take Major Steps to Improve Air Bag Safety

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 1996 -- The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and its members -- Chrysler, Ford and General Motors -- along with the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Canada (MVMA-C), today announced the implementation of major initiatives designed to further improve air bag safety for vehicle occupants. Air bags and safety belts save lives, but for children, air bags can be deadly.

"The air bag is a highly effective safety device intended to save people," said Andrew H. Card, Jr., AAMA President and Chief Executive Officer. "Chrysler, Ford and General Motors will continue to pursue all avenues to protect motorists through improved vehicle safety. America's Car Companies want to strengthen and build upon air bags' lifesaving record and believe they have developed the tools to do it."

Depowering Air Bags

Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are volunteering to depower driver and passenger side air bags in Canada -- where there are no regulatory constraints to doing so -- and are urging the U.S. to take immediate action to permit depowering as well. In August of this year, AAMA petitioned the U.S. government to allow for improved, slower deploying -- "depowered" -- air bags in this country. America's Car Companies believe that slowing the speed and thereby reducing the force with which air bags deploy would further reduce the risks posed by air bags. Depowering offers the best near-term solution to mitigate air bag risks for all vehicle occupants. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the depowering issue.

New Labels

Chrysler, Ford and General Motors will voluntarily include additional air bag warning labels in all new vehicles. These labels will alert drivers and passengers to the risks associated with air bags as well as emphasize proper use. The companies will work with NHTSA to define label content and determine placement in the vehicle consistent with government recommendations.

Letters to Owners and Customer Information

Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are sending letters to current owners of vehicles equipped with passenger side air bags to remind them of the risks inherent with air bags and to advise them how to optimize air bag effectiveness. An air bag is intended to provide maximum protection when used with a safety belt. It is not a substitute for a safety belt. Everyone who drives and transports children should know this lifesaving information as recommended by NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):

• It's safer for children 12 and under to ride buckled up in a rear seat;
  • Infants in rear-facing child safety seats should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger side air bag;
  • Small children should be secured in a rear seat in child safety seats approved for their age and size;
  • Older children should ride properly buckled up, and they too are safer in a rear seat;
  • Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them;

• Every occupant should be properly belted, whenever possible, with both lap AND shoulder belts;

• Driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical; and

• Check your vehicle owner's manual and the instructions provided with your child safety seat for correct use information.

In addition, AAMA and its members will continue to support and encourage comprehensive air bag education through the Air Bag Safety Campaign. The Campaign is a partnership of automotive manufacturers, insurance companies, occupant restraint manufacturers, health care professionals and child health and safety organizations. The Campaign is working with government agencies to increase the proper use of safety belts and child safety seats and to inform the public about how to maximize the lifesaving capabilities of air bags and minimize the risks.

Technology

In the longer-term, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors are committed to the development of technologically feasible "smart" air bags and improving vehicle safety technology. They will continue to dedicate major resources to research and development to improve and enhance overall protection for all vehicle occupants.

Driver Responsibility

When air bags were first introduced, only 10 to 20 percent of motorists buckled their safety belts. Times have changed, and today in the U.S., nearly 70 percent buckle up. While this increase is good as far as it goes, Americans must become more diligent about protecting themselves in vehicles. Drivers must be responsible for buckling their own safety belts and making sure that everyone in the car is properly belted and that children are properly secured in a rear seat.

"For Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, nothing is more important than consumer safety," added Card. "Improving air bag and overall vehicle safety have been and will continue to be top priorities for America's Car Companies."

Every time you drive, remember ... Buckle up, Children in back.

AAMA is the trade association whose members are Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation. Visit our site on the World Wide Web at http://www.aama.com.

CONTACT: Laura Armstrong, 202-326-5538, or Mia Kelly, 202-326-5543, both of the American Automobile Manufacturers Association