Children and smaller adults will be better protected from inflating air bags under an overhaul of the federal government's standards for the safety equipment, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater said today. The regulations attempt to recreate real-world conditions by specifying that child dummies be placed in child seats on the passenger seat and in unbelted sitting, kneeling, standing and lying positions. The rule also calls for a 25 mph crash test, which the auto industry promotes as a standard that will protect smaller passengers. Since 1990, air bags have killed 158 children and small adults, most unbelted and involved in low-speed crashes. In response to the deaths, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reduced its 30 mph testing standard, issuing a temporary rule allowing automakers to use a 25 mph test that results in air bags that deploy with less force.
Federal data shows air bag deaths have declined sharply for vehicles made since then.
Some consumer groups wanted a return to the 30 mph standard that would result in more powerful air bags, which they say could be combined with advanced technology to stop them from inflating at lower crash speeds. Auto officials dispute that it is a matter of cost, saying customers demand safer products. Transportation officials say the rule could change after a period of public comment and reaction to the slower-speed test. Copyright 2001 Belo Interactive Inc., All Rights Reserved.