(NAPSA)—Safety experts are working on ways to drive down the risk of injuries and death due to auto accidents. They are, however, running into problems from a surprising source: airbag fraud. It’s on the rise and may scon rank as one of the worst vehicle repair scaras out there-——and a potentially fatal one. The average buyer may never know whether the airbag is there, until it’s too late. Last year, 2.5 mithon vebicles were totaled by insurance companies and issued salvage titles. More than one million of these—or tweout of every five—were rebuilt and put back on the road. Evenif the accident was minor, if the airbag deployed, airbag fraud is a risk factor. According to the California Highway Alliance, one out of every 25 previously damaged vehicles inspected had phony airbags. Airbag systeras are expensive to replace, so dishonest mechanics keep costs down and profits up by using incorrect, outdated or no system at all to replace the deployed bags. Since it’s virtually impossible for consumers to tell just by locking that dummy airbags were used, they purchase improperly repaired vehicles. The experts at Carfax.cora recommend consumers perform the following checks to determine if an airbag is in good working order: Whenturning on the ignition: The airbag indicator light should appear momentarily and then go out. elf indicator light remains on or flashes, there may be an air bag system problem. Take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic for Victims of airbag fraud have found everything stuffed into steering wheel and dashboard airbag compartments from pack- ing peanuts to paper towels, old shoes to aluminum cans. further inspection. 2if the light NEVER comes on, there could be a serious problem. The air bag may he missing and the bulb rernoved. Airbag lights may not comeon if the previous owner has had an onoff switch installed. Ask owner or dealer to provide a copy of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s letter authorizing the switch and have the airbag tarned back on. Car buyers should ask for a vehicle history report and see if the car has been in an accident. Carfax.com offers an easy way for consumers to find out if a vehicle has been in a major crash. If the seller doesn’t offer one, log on to www.Carfax.com or call toli free 1888-4CARFAX (1-888-422-7329). Using this information and taking the vehicle to a certified airbag mechanic for inspection PRIOR to purchase can ensure a properly working airbag systera and provide peace of mind.
