Ford Response to Air Bag Deactivation
18 November 1997
Ford Response to Air Bag Deactivation
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 18 -- This statement may be attributed
to Helen Petrauskas, Ford's Vice President for Environmental & Safety
Engineering.
What's important now is that our customers have the information they need
to make an informed decision and one that will be best for their particular
needs. Ford strongly believes that for the vast majority of customers, the
best decision on deactivation is to leave your air bags operational, wear your
safety belt and restrain children in the rear seat. We will urge people to
consider very carefully the information and guidelines provided by the
government before requesting permission to install an on/off switch. If a
customer receives permission from the government to deactivate, Ford will make
a dependable on/off switch available for purchase and urge our dealers to
provide this service.
Concerned customers also can contact our Customer Assistance Center
(800-323-8400) to hear a recorded message or to speak with a service
representative.
Ford reminds all vehicle occupants always to wear safety belts, that the
safest place for children 12 and under is properly restrained in the back seat
and never to place a rearfacing infant seat in front of an active air bag.
Following is the text of a message from Helen Petrauskas, Ford's vice
president for Environmental & Safety Engineering, and Lou Camp, Director of
Ford's Automotive Safety Office, to Ford customers.
"Hello, I'm Helen Petrauskas ... and I'd like to tell you some key points
about the new ruling on air bag deactivation. I hope they'll help you make a
good choice on something that's important to you and the safety of your
family.
"First, air bag systems save lives and limit injuries. But we cannot
overemphasize the importance of always wearing safety belts. Almost all of
the tragedies you've heard about involved adults not wearing belts or not
seated in the proper position, or children who were not in the correct
restraint.
"Second, for the vast majority, the best decision on deactivation is to do
nothing -- that is, leave your air bags operational, wear your safety belt and
restrain children in the rear seat.
"Third, for those of you who qualify and receive approval under the rule's
conditions, Ford and our dealers will make a dependable on/off switch
available for purchase.
"If you would like to know more, please stay on the line. If you need to
speak to a representative, please press 1. Thank you for calling."
"Hello, I'm Lou Camp, Director of Ford's Automotive Safety Office.
"The government's rule allows people in specific circumstances to apply
for permission to install an on/off switch. These include people with certain
medical conditions ... drivers who cannot reach the controls if seated far
enough from the air bag ... and vehicle owners who must transport children 12
and under in the front seat.
"Even within the government criteria, there are many factors which should
be considered before seeking governmental approval to install an on/off
switch. It is not possible to make a simple list of guidelines to meet each
person's needs. If you believe you are covered by one or more of the criteria
outlined in the government's rule, we encourage you to consider carefully the
factors important to your particular circumstances before deciding to install
a switch. Here are some of the factors to consider:
"People with certain medical conditions may be eligible for government
approval to install an on/off switch. If you think you may qualify under this
criterion, you should carefully read the guidelines provided by the government
and seek the advice of a medical doctor.
"Drivers who cannot position themselves away from the air bag also may
qualify for government approval to install an on/off switch ... but should
take several measures before making this decision.
* First, move your seat as far to the rear as you can while still
reaching steering wheel and foot controls. Then, recline the seat back one or
two notches from the upright position.
* Under the government guidelines, if you're still closer than 1O inches
from the air bag module-measured from your breastbone to the center of the
steering wheel -- you may decide to request permission from the government to
install a switch. But there are several additional factors to consider.
"For example, based on current information we believe you should measure
the 10 inches from your chin to the center of the steering wheel, rather than
your breastbone. We think it's a better approach and will result in fewer
unnecessary deactivations. In addition, proximity to the air bag should not
be the sole criterion. You should also consider all other relevant factors,
such as medical or other physical conditions, before making your decision.
"If for some reason you must transport a child 12 or under in the front
seat ... you may qualify under the government's rules for an on/off switch.
There's widespread agreement that children are safer properly restrained in
the back seat, whether or not your car, van or truck is equipped with an air
bag. But if you must, seat a child up front,
First: The child should stay properly restrained.
Remember: Under no circumstances should a rear-facing infant seat ever be
placed in a position protected by an active air bag.
Second: The seat should be moved as far to the rear as possible; and
Third: The child's back must remain fully against the seat -- no leaning
forward.
"If all these measures are taken, you should keep the air bag active.
"Remember, front safety belts and air bags were designed to work together
with other components as an integral restraint system. The air bag cannot
provide as much protection if the safety belt is not worn, and the performance
of the safety belt will be diminished if the air bag is deactivated, Finally,
if you have a switch installed, please only deactivate an air bag when
necessary for a particular passenger.
"Again, if you would like to speak to a customer service representative,
please stay on the line and someone will be with you shortly. Thanks again
for calling."
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
