Department Issues Air Bag Advisory

The Department of Transportation and Public Works today issued an advisory to individuals, auto repair firms, and auto parts suppliers who may have purchased rebuilt or recycled air bags from two Quebec companies, National Sacs Gonflables Inc. and Coussins Gonflables Demers Inc.

The Government of Quebec has identified concerns surrounding the deployment of recycled/rebuilt air bags from these vendors and has requested the Receivers for the two companies to contact all potential clients to advise them. Vehicle owners who utilized these products should have the bag replaced or deactivated until they are able to find a suitable replacement.

"The department has not been made aware of any incidents to date on Prince Edward Island with products from these vendors but, in order to ensure continued safety to the travelling public, we are issuing this advisory as a precautionary measure at this time," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon.

It is recommended that anyone who has had an air bag installed in a vehicle since 1998 should contact their installers to verify their safety and effectiveness as well as determine whether these two firms supplied the equipment. Individuals or companies with further questions should contact the department's Highway Safety branch at (902) 368-5219 for further information.