Air Bags

Recently we have heard government officials testify that air bags save many more people than they kill. I’ve not heard, however, an answer to the following question. Do air bags indeed save more people who are also belted with lap and shoulder harnesses? Most of what seems to have been said concerns saving unbelted drivers and passengers.

If indeed air bags are not saving people who are adequately belted, then should we not stress education about seat belts instead of creating expensive “smart” air bags?

Can’t we have some faith in the public’s ability to learn to look out for its own safety?

STEVEN B. OPPENHEIMER

Northridge