SIDE AIR BAGS CAN KILL

WRECK-LESS DRIVING©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist


SIDE AIR BAGS CAN KILL
OWASSO, OK: Avid reader, Connie Z., asks “Do you know that the new side air bags which are supposed to improve crash safety are so powerful that they can kill small children?” Yes, Connie, this is another trade-off similar to the now well- known danger of the original front air bags which have killed or injured some small children and short, frail adults. The side bags are designed to effectively protect most adults in crashes into the vehicle’s side.

Children especially seem to like to sit close to or lean on the door or even lean out the window (unsafe at any speed) and are thereby too close to the inflating bag. Just as the driver must be at least 10 inches away from the steering wheel bag so should all persons sit some distance from the vehicle’s side. In the newer autos the front bags have decreased power and one would suppose that the side bags were designed with the experience gained in early years.

Whether the Federal Government will allow the side bags to be deactivated under certain use conditions has not been announced. The Highway Traffic Safety Administration does suggest that the car manufacturers deliver the vehicle to the dealership with the optional rear seat side bags deactivated. Then the buyer can then choose whether the dealer should switch on the bags or not. Once again, good safety intentions turn out to be less than ideal. Surely the engineers will devise an acceptable system before many more young or frail persons are victims of these crash and the safety restraining bags. No doubt the auto insurance companies have strong requirements on full use of the provided air bags.
GHD213all rights reserved

SIGNAL YOUR INTENTIONS

WRECK-LESS DRIVING©
by Gunther Doerfert, Auto Safety Columnist

SIGNAL YOUR INTENTIONS
KINGSPORT, TN: Wilma Dean requested that we discuss the use of and lack of use of turn signals by TN drivers. The State has a large number of both kinds of drivers. And, fortunately, it has a much larger number that know how to signal properly.

First, lets look at the improper use of turn signals. Some TN drivers are just too considerate of those behind them. Throughout the State one can be mislead by the driver who signals that the vehicle ahead of his/hers is signaling to turn right or left. It is not unusual to see a line of 10 or 20 or even more vehicles signaling for a turn only to find that just the first one actually makes the turn. This is unsafe and unlawful in TN. But I have never seen such a line of motorists given citations even when a law officer has observed it.

Now, about the lack of signaling. In most every jurisdiction the law requires that drivers signal their intention to make a turn, change lanes, or to stop. The stop signal is, of course, automatic with application of the brakes. For making turns it is OK still to put ones left arm out the driver’s left window as a signal (please put the window down first). The horizontal arm means a left turn and the arm bent upwards at 90 degrees means a right turn. This information is for you younger readers who were not yet here before turn lights were invented. It is good to know this as the hand/arm signal is required if the electric signals are inoperative. It is required, too, of bicyclists.

A message to those who signal properly and lawfully: Thank you for being considerate of the safety of yourself and others. May your life be full of wreck-less miles.
GHD212 all rights reserved