Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site ssc-vax.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!floyd!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!ssc-vax!carlson From: carlson@ssc-vax.UUCP Newsgroups: net.auto Subject: YAABA - Yet another airbag article Message-ID: <310@ssc-vax.UUCP> Date: Thu, 30-Jun-83 17:42:40 EDT Article-I.D.: ssc-vax.310 Posted: Thu Jun 30 17:42:40 1983 Date-Received: Fri, 1-Jul-83 22:38:09 EDT Organization: Boeing Aerospace, Seattle Lines: 28 Mr. Wright, do you HONESTLY think that auto or medical or any other kind of insurance rates will go down once airbags (God for- bid) are installed? It didn't happen after all the hoopla over 2.5-5 mph bumpers were installed. Collision insurance rates went up after the State Farms, and Farmers, and AAA's found out that it cost $200+ to replaces all those shock absorbers and re-bar that constitutes those bumpers. As for the "honor system", lower rates for seat belt users, it works for "non-smoker" policies at Farmers. Farmers gives a 25% discount to non-smokers. I am convinced that the lap/shoulder harness that is installed in my X-11 is going to protect me in a more effective manner over a wider range of accident situations than some bag blowing up in my face. The "drunk crossing the centerline with a closing speed of 110mph" type of accident is the only type where an airbag has an undeniable advantage. My lap/shoulder belt may induce a level of injury beyond that which the airbag would. But at that extreme case, invasion of the passenger compartment by the engine and sheet metal will be of greater consequence to injury than my acceleration into the belts. I believe that there are more cost effective methods for dealing with this type of accident than to turn automobiles into exploding padded cells with wheels. Happy Driving, and buckle up! Its cheaper than a bag! Lee R. Carlson - Boeing Aerospace - Seattle - ...fluke!ssc-vax!carlson