Advanced Air Bag Systems and Occupant Protection: Recent Modifications to FMVSS 208

Because of a rising number of air bag related injuries and specific Congressional instructions, FMVSS 208 was revised in March 1997. At that time, the changes allowed manufacturers to quickly implement redesigned air bags that were less powerful with the goal of reducing air bag related injuries. The legislature has since mandated additional revisions to FMVSS 208 to ensure use of new technologies for the protection of occupants of varying stature. This paper presents an overview of some of the more significant modifications to FMVSS 208 and discusses some of the challenges for advanced air bag systems.