Due to the rapid and forceful deployment of airbags, aftermarket components in the deployment zone can become hazards to vehicle occupants. In some cases, the airbag itself may become the hazard. As a result of their findings, (NHTSA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), made the final ruling allowing the installation of aftermarket airbag on/off switches (Ruling: 49CFR, parts 571 &595; Docket # -NHTSA-97-3111) on January 19, 1998. The ruling allows individuals who fall under the definition of “at risk”, to receive permission from NHTSA to have a legal airbag on/off switch installed in their vehicles.

Later that year, the first and original airbag on/off switch was designed by AirBag Options, LLC to fit this new niche in vehicle aftermarket parts. AOI Electrical acquired that business in 2001 and was then purchased by Pro-gard Products, LLC in 2009. Through each transition of ownership, the airbag on/off switches saw improvements to their design, making them more reliable and affordable.

The original airbag on/off switch included options that went above NHTSA requirements including a liability fuse that protects customers against false litigation, by indicating the airbag status at the moment of impact. Another added feature was the addition of a green “on” light to counter the NHTSA mandatory “amber” off light.

Law Enforcement Applications

In 2001, the introduction of the first plug-and-play units to the market, the AOI Electrical, Airbag On/off Switch became the perfect match for police applications on standard police package vehicles. With the simple turn of a key to off, airbag conflicts with aftermarket equipment such as cameras, radar detectors, and computers could be eliminated. Another simple turn of the key back to on allowed for airbag protection for a passenger. Providing both safety and peace of mind for operators against propelled equipment in the event of an impact.

Further advancements came with the patented development of airbag on/off switches that were available for dual or single stage airbags that seamlessly integrate into the vehicle’s existing electrical system.

About Pro-Gard

Since 1968, Pro-gard Products has provided the safest, most durable law enforcement products designed to perform on the open road. We take pride in the craftsmanship and quality that goes into making our products the safest and most reliable in the industry. Pro-gard is proud to offer our products to the entire United States as well as many foreign markets.

This same commitment to building a quality product is built into every component of our AOI Electrical Airbag On/off Switches. From our solid state, hand soldered connections to the silicone sealed circuit boards to the heat shrink insulated connections, our employees take great pride in knowing that each step of the manufacturing process is precise. Our switches are further tested to 100,000 cycles to ensure their durability and perfection.

Pro-gard is proud of the quality and excellence of our airbag on/off switches and we encourage you to put them to the test. The AOI Electronics Airbag On/off switch has been installed in over 30,000 law enforcement units nationwide. Please see our list of references for a listing of some of your peers who have found success with our airbag on/off switches.