A question from Central NY State chief officer forces me into a reply that may seem controversial. So without further delay, here's the question and my reply;
-----Original Message-----
Question? I do not allow people to drive their car from a MVA if the air bag (s) have deployed. I feel the air bag will interfere with their ability to steer the car. Are there any of the cars out there that will not start or run after air bag deployment? I disconnect the battery on all mvas with air bag deployment but got questioned about their ability to start and run after they have deployed. Thank you.
----------Reply ---------------
You should change your protocols.
For electrical shutdown, two options are disconnecting or 'double cutting' cables. Cut for urgency. Disconnect for customer service.
If a vehicle owner signs a medical release form and wants to drive their vehicle away, you should accommodate them. OK it with PD, then re-connect the battery and get out of their way.
If a deployed driver's airbag is a concern, cut away the nylon bag. It would have to be replaced anyway.
The primary reason a slightly damaged vehicle will not run is the inertia switch in the fuel system shut down as a safety measure. They're generally along the inside rear fenderwell area inside the trunk. I've even reset these to get the car running again.
-----Original Message-----
Question? I do not allow people to drive their car from a MVA if the air bag (s) have deployed. I feel the air bag will interfere with their ability to steer the car. Are there any of the cars out there that will not start or run after air bag deployment? I disconnect the battery on all mvas with air bag deployment but got questioned about their ability to start and run after they have deployed. Thank you.
----------Reply ---------------
You should change your protocols.
For electrical shutdown, two options are disconnecting or 'double cutting' cables. Cut for urgency. Disconnect for customer service.
If a vehicle owner signs a medical release form and wants to drive their vehicle away, you should accommodate them. OK it with PD, then re-connect the battery and get out of their way.
If a deployed driver's airbag is a concern, cut away the nylon bag. It would have to be replaced anyway.
The primary reason a slightly damaged vehicle will not run is the inertia switch in the fuel system shut down as a safety measure. They're generally along the inside rear fenderwell area inside the trunk. I've even reset these to get the car running again.
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