The ARA Protocol addresses the air bag module only, not the ECU, sensors or other elements of the SRS. If, in the very unlikely event that there is ever a claim that an ARA member supplied an air bag that did not deploy, it is a very simple matter to prove that the air bag module is fully functional. The process would be to retrieve the module, place it on a test stand, apply current and it will fire. In this way, it will be possible to prove that if an air bag is alleged to not have fired in a crash situation, that it was because it never received a signal to fire.

A-R-A's Air Bag committee chaired by Jeff Kantor and assisted by Jim Watson, has compiled a "Top Ten Reasons to Use ARA's Air Bag Center OEM Non-Deployed Air Bags" list:

1. All OEM parts, 100% tested by manufacturer before factory installation.

2. Air bag readiness re-confirmed every time ignition is turned on.

3. 99.999% reliability. Five 9's is the OEM gold standard for quality and used for safety parts, worldwide.

4. ARA's Air Bag Center is evolutionary, not revolutionary.

5. ARA's Air Bag Center documents a chain of custody for every action by supplier.

6. Use of OEM Non-Deployed Air Bags is the only functionally equivalent option to new.

7. Save time, money, and resources.

8. No discontinued part numbers.

9. No national back orders.

10. Already widely used - less total loss vehicles means more money and profit for shops.

Why the Protocol can be relied upon

Peter Byrne points out that the ultimate test of an air bag's viability is number two. The electronic control module always tests the inflator module to be certain the circuit is intact and the bag will deploy. The purpose of the Protocol is to provide a method of inspection, not certification. The bag has already been certified by the manufacturer to 99.999% reliability. Since there are no after-market manufacturers of air bags, number 6 notes that these bags are "the only functionally equivalent option."

Because air bags are the most frequently stolen vehicle parts in the U.S., by using this Protocol inspection standard to purchase replacement bags at less than half of the OEM cost, the market for stolen bags could disappear. By decreasing the number of vehicles totaled, shops gain vehicles to repair and recyclers gain opportunities to sell other recycled parts. Recyclers can continue to stock air bags discontinued or delayed by manufacturers, confident that the bags will be purchased and used.

What can make this Protocol work is the A-R-A's willingness to stand behind it. Members wishing to participate are required to increase their liability insurance to $5,000,000. Risk is further reduced by requiring a tamper-proof inspection sticker on each air bag along with a database record of "chain of custody for every action by supplier." This means that A-R-A will have on file the VIN and complete information on the donor vehicle and the recipient vehicle.

Issues of theft or improper installation will be largely prevented by these measures. For more information, contact Automotive Recyclers Association, 3975 Fair Ridge Drive, Suite 20, Terrace Level North, Fairfax, VA 22033; 703-385-1001.

The bottom line is "time, money, and resources" saved by shops, insurance companies and customers, and more sales and profits for both shops and recyclers -- a winning program!

Tom Franklin has been a sales and marketing representative and consultant for forty years and is the author of the books, "Business Battlefield Marketing for Body Shops," "Tom Franklin's Top 40 Marketing Tactics for Body Shops," and "Strategies for Greater Body Shop Growth." His marketing company now provides marketing solutions and services for body shops and other businesses. He can be reached for questions or comments at (323) 871-6862, by fax at (323) 465-2228, or by E-Mail: tbfranklin @aol.com.