Air Bag Deactivation: What you need to know to make an informed decision

What you need to know to make an informed decision

Introduction

• Who should consider de-activating their air bags?
• What is an on-off switch?
• What steps can you take to reduce air bag risk without installing an on-off switch?

Why Some People Are at Risk

• How do air bag deaths occur?
• Do both children and adults face risks?

Reducing the Risk

• What is the safest way to ride in front of an air bag?
• How do I best protect children?
• What should teenagers and adults do to be safest on the passenger side?
• How do I stay safe when I am driving?
• Will following these safety tips guarantee that I will be safe in a crash?
• Are air bags the reason the back seat is safer for children?

The Air Bag On-Off Decision

• What if you are, or another user of your vehicle is, not in one of the listed risk groups?
• Should a pregnant woman get an on-off switch?
• How do I get an air bag on-off switch?

On-Off Switch Precautions

• If I turn "off" an air bag for someone at risk, what precautions should I take for others?
• If I turn "off" an air bag, will the seatbelt provide enough protection?

How Air Bags Work

• Are all air bags the same?

Future Air Bags

• Do I need an on-off switch if I buy or rent a vehicle with depowered air bags?
• Will on-off switches be necessary in the future?

What Restraint is Right for Your Child?

• Children less than 9 kg
• Children from about 9 to 18 kg
• Children more than 18 kg
• Children who meet following criteria

How to obtain a "Declaration of Requirement for Air Bag Deactivation" Form

How to get the full report:

The full report on Air Bag Deactivation is available in a printable format (2075 KB)

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If you need an alternative format or for more information, please contact us by e-mail at RoadSafetyWebMail@tc.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-333-0371 (Ottawa area (613) 998-8616).