'Smart' Air Bags Fail Safety Tests
Automakers are warning that "smart" air bags required starting next year could kill or injure children and fail to protect adults in crashes.
Automakers are warning that "smart" air bags required starting next year could kill or injure children and fail to protect adults in crashes. At least three suppliers have pulled smart-bag technology off the market for more development. One of them, Siemens, says it doesn't have any system that can't be fooled if an occupant shifts around in the seat or a child is in a heavy child seat, and doubts whether anyone else does. Automakers are searching for new suppliers, but doubt that the few remaining can make enough foolproof smart systems. As a result, what are billed as safety devices could be harmful. The bags, required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are called "smart" because they are supposed to sense what size passengers they're protecting, and adjust inflation force accordingly. The bags are supposed to turn off and not deploy if the passenger is a child. Earlier bags inflated full-force for everyone. As a result, at least 215 people, including 133 children, have been killed by air bags since 1990. Currently, NHTSA has refused to halt the phase-in of smart bags, beginning next September on 2004 models.
More Operations

Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →
What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?
EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles
Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →
Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026
Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.
Read More →
The Future of Fleet + What’s Changing Right Now | AF News Recap
Could developments overseas offer a preview of what’s coming for U.S. fleets? This week, we’re looking at the future of AI, autonomy, and electrification, plus Ford Pro’s new certified pre-owned program, smarter vehicle offboarding, and a new way for fleets to manage toll expenses.
Read More →
How to Handle Vehicle Offboarding
What do fleet managers need to do when a driver leaves?
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
