Mercedes-Benz of North America is offering air bags as an option on some of its 1984 models. At the same time, debate is continuing over the issue of passive restraints. The Secretary of Transportation, William Coleman, in 1977 adopted the version of the passive restraint requirement that's still being argued today. The Reagan administration cancelled the requirement in October 1982. A lawsuit was filed by two insurance companies. The Supreme Court agreed with the insurance companies and has given the government one year to either come up with better reasons for cancelling the standard or announce a new timetable on implementation. While the standard is being studied again, GM is advocating seat belt usage laws. It is the conclusion of this article that safety must be actively promoted by making a decision in favor of passive restraints, either passive belts that cannot be easily disconnected or air bags.