U.S. TO CALL FOR SAFER AIR BAG CONSTRUCTION.

Byline: Associated Press 

The government will propose new rules Monday allowing automakers to put less forceful air bags in cars and make it easier for motorists to have the devices disconnected, a Transportation Department official said Friday.

The regulations, which could go into effect as early as February, also would extend a temporary rule allowing manufacturers to install switches in two-seater vehicles where motorists may shut off the safety devices.

There has been increasing pressure from motorists, some auto safety advocates and the auto industry to make changes in the federal air bag requirements because of a growing number of injuries or deaths to children as a result of air bag deployment.

``These measures are interim steps designed to maintain the safety benefits of air bags and decrease their potential hazard,'' said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Air bags have saved more than 1,600 lives, according to government estimates. But they also have killed 32 children and infants and 20 adults - mostly smaller women - in low-speed accidents in which the victims otherwise would have survived.

The new rules will be proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and will be open for public comment during an expedited 30-day period, the official said. The agency is expected to issue a final rule soon after that.

Automakers, who have lobbied for the changes, have said they must have permission by mid-February to guarantee that the less forceful air bags are installed in 1998 models.

Under the proposed rules:

Air bags, which now deploy at 200 mph, could be installed in new cars with 20 to 35 percent less force. At that slower speed, passengers wearing seat belts would still be protected in a crash, he said.

Owners could ask car dealers to disconnect their air bags. Under current law, they must go through a time-consuming petitioning process with the government.

A temporary rule allowing carmakers to install cutoff switches would be extended for cars without back seats or room for child safety seats. That allows those who have only a front seat to carry a child to switch off the air bag while the child rides in front.

Ultimately, automakers and regulators are looking to more advanced technology, which will sense a passenger's weight or position and deploy the air bag accordingly. The government wants this technology installed beginning with the 1999 model year.