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Statement of Kevin Nero on 1994/Early 1995 Nissan Altima Air Bags

Aug. 7, 2002

My name is Kevin Nero, I live in Newport News, Virginia, and am currently in the United States Air Force. I came here today to tell my story in the hope it will help others. On September 1, 1999, I was involved in an automobile accident in Hampton, Virginia. I was the passenger in a 1995 Nissan Altima when it rear-ended another vehicle. At the time of impact my air bag deployed, but rather than prevent any injury to me, it slapped me in the face, leaving me with permanent damage to my right eye. While I was taken to the emergency room, the driver had minor injuries. I had internal bleeding in my eye and I underwent surgery the day after the accident because the doctors told me I was at risk of losing my eye. I feel blessed that the doctors were able to save my sight. However, I am still taking medication for the glaucoma in my right eye that was caused by the impact of the air bag. I also suffered second-degree burns to the right side of my face.

This was a traumatic time in my life, which caused me to miss six weeks of work. This air bag system is a real problem. I hate to see these injuries happen to other people if they can be stopped now. Nissan and the government need to step forward and keep this from happening again. I am a 23-year-old man with my whole life ahead of me. And as a result of this air bag defect, I will live it with the painful result of this accident, which has damaged my eye forever.

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