In a warning for Australian authorities, UK's Accident Exchange accident management company says that the UK's unregulated secondhand airbag market could lead to defective bags being sold to unsuspecting motorists.
Earlier this year, Australasian Paint&Panel ran a story on secondhand airbags in Australia with many industry and insurance experts advising against their use.
According to a report in UK's ABP email newsletter, The Department of Transport has warned that while drivers should not allow the fitting of secondhand airbags there is no law that prevents the sale, handling and maintenance of such equipment.
In the UK there are up to 3000 used airbags offered for sale at any given time without any history attached to them.
The CEO of Accident Exchange, Steve Evans, says that buying secondhand bags may save money but it could cost you your life.
In its 2008 report, the American National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that out of 2555 fatal auto accidents reviewed, l446 showed that airbags had not been properly replaced after a previous accident.