Holes in Air Bag Story

Regarding the Jan. 8 story, “Green Light for Air Bags”:

This story makes air bags sound like better auto-safety devices than they may really be. It doesn’t mention the thoughts of those who feel air bags are oversold.

The air bag provides protection only if seat belts are used. However, if seat belts are properly used, perhaps air bags aren’t necessary. Air bags provide questionable protection in side or rear-end collisions and certainly cannot replace seat belts. Furthermore, even if they do any good at all, an air bag is a one-shot deal offering no protection during the frequent secondary collisions during multiple-car accidents.

Questions exist about maintenance. “Air bag” is actually a misnomer. The bag is not filled with air but with sodium azide by means of an explosion at the steering wheel or under the dashboard. Who will take care of these and what will the cost be? Do you expect auto mechanics to deal with these explosive devices?

Drivers of air bag-equipped cars may tend to feel safer and overconfident. Evidently, a very large percentage of drivers do not now use seat belts and fewer will if they believe that the bag really will provide the sort of protection and safety that was implied in your article.

HARVEY BARKAN

Studio City