Background Information

Jan. 2, 1966: When Airbags Were More Science Fiction Than Fact

On Jan. 2, 1966, The New York Times published a long article about American car companies’ response to the growing public concern about safety. At the time, cars had few safety devices — “shoulder harnesses will probably not be standard on 1967 models,” the article said. “The automakers are convinced that scarcely anyone wants them.”

N.H.T.S.A. Sets Standards for Data Collected From Black Boxes in Cars

Beginning next month, new cars equipped with so-called black boxes — instruments that record crash information — must meet certain criteria for categories of data captured, accuracy and crash survivability. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still working on a rule that would require all new cars sold to contain the devices in the first place.

GM Airbag Investigations 2000-Present

GM Airbag Investigations 2000-Present

Investigation No.: EA00-004
Investigation No.: PE99-037
Make: Cadillac
Model: Deville
Model Year: 1998-99

Investigation No.: PE00-045
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Venture
Make: Oldsmobile
Model: Silhouette
Make: Pontiac
Model: Montana
Model: Trans Sport
Model Year: 1998-99

Investigation No.: EA01-014
Investigation No.: PE01-002
Make: Pontiac
Model: Grand Prix
Model: Montana
Model Year: 1998-2000

Investigation No.: PE04-076
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado

A Hidden Threat to Drivers

U.S. traffic safety officials should get a better handle on the problem of missing air bags in used vehicles.

April 4, 2011

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a study examining fatal accidents in which a car’s air bag should have deployed but didn’t. The most common reason wasn’t poor manufacturing by automakers. It was that the air bag was simply missing, never replaced after a previous crash.

TRW Sodium Azide Explosions

TRW to cease sodium azide production – 6/30/2003 An Explosive Mix At TRW – 12/18/1995 Man Dies from…

“Head Bags” Help Keep Drivers Alive, Study Shows

"Head Bags" Help Keep Drivers Alive, Study Shows

Airbag Study Shows Huge Variation In Safety Records

July 3, 1997

Safety experts urge government to tell public which airbags are most dangerous

Washington, D.C. … Public Citizen and the Center for Auto Safety today released a study revealing significant differences in the safety records of passenger-side airbag designs. The study analyses the auto models which have had the highest fatality rates in airbag crashes, and concludes that some cars are fitted with airbags much more dangerous than others.