Why You Shouldn’t Disable Your Airbag

Q: I drive an Escalade. It’s a tank. My airbag went off in a collision and it almost killed me. I think I should have the option to disconnect it. It’s my car. Many other cars don’t have it. Why should I?

A: I’d like to start with a different question. Does the jurisdiction responsible for designing, building, and maintaining a road also have an obligation to protect the people who use that road? If your answer is no, we’re going to disagree on what follows. But before you answer, let’s talk about roller coasters.

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How To Legally Disable An Airbag (And Why You Probably Don’t Want To)

Q: I have been concerned about this for years. I am just 5 feet tall and 110 pounds. So when driving I need the seat moved forward quite a bit to reach the pedals. Can I or should I disconnect the airbag? But then my husband, on the rare times he uses my car, would be at risk. Waiting for your wise advice. Thank you.

A: You’ve probably seen the letters “SRS” embossed on the steering wheel and in front of the passenger seat on the dashboard. In a round-about way, those three letters explain why you probably don’t need to be concerned about injury from your airbag. Is it possible to get injured from an airbag? Yes. But probably not because you’re short.

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