A utomakers have already introduced some changes to air bag equipment to reduce air bag induced injuries, but these alterations are considered only stopgaps until more sophisticated solutions are ready. Foremost among the changes is so-called air bag depowering, which means installing air bags that inflate more slowly and to a lesser volume than the original designs. Most 1998 American vehicle models contain air bags depowered by 20 to 35 percent compared to 1997, says Felrice. Engineers have also incorporated an air bag disabling switch for the passenger side of new vehicles with only a single row of seats, such as pickup trucks. Under limited circumstances, the federal government is also allowing vehicle owners to install on-off switches or disconnect air bags in older models.
Companies keep tight wraps on many details.
They all want to be first with safety improvements. Whether it's night vision or antilock brakes, safety sells these days. Earlier this month, the U.S. government reconfirmed its commitment to technology as a necessary part of preventing crash fatalities and injuries. Instead of mandating specific technologies, the agency will require vehicles to pass a battery of tests. In a typical crash, the air bag control microprocessor must decide within 20 milliseconds whether or not to fire the air bag.