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Future Air Bags
Do I
need an on-off switch if I buy or rent a vehicle with depowered bags?
Most manufacturers have been installing depowered air bags starting on their model year 1998 vehicles.
They are called "depowered" because they deploy with less force than current air
bags. They will reduce the risk of air bag-related injuries. However, even with depowered
air bags, rear-facing child seats still should never be placed in the front seat and
children age 12 and under are still safest in the back seat. Contact your vehicle
manufacturer for further information.
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Will on-off switches be necessary
in the future?
Manufacturers are actively developing so-called "smart" or
"advanced" air bags that may be able to tailor deployment based on crash
severity, occupant size and position, or seat belt use. These bags should eliminate the
risks produced by current air bag designs. It is likely that vehicle manufacturers will
introduce some form of advanced air bags over the next few years.
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