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