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Easing of air bag rules sought

Nov 25, 2009 | Staff | Detroit Free Press

U.S. automakers are asking federal officials to ease a new rule aimed at improving how well cars and trucks protect people in side- impact crashes.

The rule adopted in September by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration targets crashes where vehicles collide sideways into utility poles, trees and other narrow objects. By requiring new air bag systems and setting tougher crash-test standards, regulators say the rule would save 311 lives per year and prevent 361 serious injuries.

NHTSA said the rule would phase in over four years starting in September 2009. The agency based its new timetable on automakers' forecasts that 90 percent of 2010 models would have side air bags for head protection, while 72 percent will come with side air bags to protect the chest.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the industry trade group, asked regulators last week to delay the start of the new rule until 2011. It said automakers need more time to redesign models and run tests.