Air bag switch forms ready

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1997 | 9:09 a.m.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is processing the requests and, as of Jan. 19, will allow the on-off switches with proper authorization.

In addition to the form authorizing the installation of an air bag switch, the motor vehicle offices have a brochure available titled "Air Bags and On-Off Switches: Information for an Informed Decision".

The brochure presents facts about air bags, describes who is at risk for air bag injury and provides options for minimizing the risk of injury.

According to the traffic safety administration, most drivers don't need on-off switches for their air bags. Almost everyone over age 12 is safer with an air bag than without one. The eligibility criteria for people requesting an air bag on-off switch are:

-Drivers who must transport infants riding in rear-facing infant seats in the front passenger seat.

-Drivers who must transport children ages 1 to 12 in the front passenger seat.

-Drivers who can't change their customary driving position and keep 10 inches between the center of the steering wheel and the center of their breastbone.

-Drivers who have a doctor verify that they have medical conditions making the use of air bags a health risk that outweighs the risk of injury if the air bags are turned off.