AH HA! It looked kind of like a horn...but without the actual horn...thingy...coming off the side. Cool...now I am less worried about it...
Okay - last bit on airbags that I was thinking about and thought I would share (for what its worth):
Anyone who decides to alter the factory safety features of their car should do this very consciously. My personal decision to disconnect my passenger airbag was due to my daughter being old enough to be in the front seat, but (in my opinion) not big enough to take the force of the airbag found in our cars deploying. I personally intend to reconnect it sometime in the future.
As it states in Bibbetson's write up on airbag removal:
"Disclaimer: I do not advocate the removing or disabling of the passive restraint system for purely cosmetic reasons. There are valid reasons for removing or deactivating the airbags, such as: track use, equipment age, or protection for short drivers and passengers. You accept all liability for following these procedures."
We need to be aware, in our litigious society, of the conscious decision we are making - and the types of liability we might be taking on by making such an alteration to our cars.
One thing, as our cars are equipped with an passenger airbag, and the dash clearly states this, is to be aware of the implied agreement as to the safety features a passenger can expect. Suffice it to say that anyone who rides in my passenger seat will be informed by me that the airbag is disconnected. They will, therefore, be riding in that seat with that knowledge and making that choice. Nothing (and most often the facts!) can prevent a lawsuit, but it's something. Plus - forget lawsuits - people should know.
Also, if you have disconnected or removed the airbag and then sell your car, without clearly notifying the buyer of the safety alteration you have made, that could be a VERY VERY bad thing.
Another thing is that we are most likely receiving an insurance credit for having airbags. Should an accident occur, and it be found that airbags had been disconnected or removed, one could have an issue with your insurance company...concievably to the point of the insurance company voiding coverage. Each insurance company is different - so you should check with yours to determine the facts.
Also many states have laws on the books on airbags.
This is an example from Wisconsin. Pretty much speaks for itself. You should check to see if there are laws where you live that you should be aware of.
There is also Federal statute, especially if you are a "commercial entity", governing airbags. Specifically: "...knowingly "making inoperative" any part of a device or element of design that has been installed on or in a motor vehicle in compliance with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS)." Exceptions exist for people with disabilities.
For more info check out
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.
Anyway...the moral of the story is that along with me saying "...bottom line is that it's just as simple as the DIY by Bibbetson. Very cool..." - I should also say...
Simple or not, get the facts and made a very conscious decision on your three R's (rights, responsibilities and ramifcations) prior to doing this - or any - alteration to the safety equipment on your car.
Chris
