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From: preece@ccvaxa.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: airbags
Message-ID: <19100002@ccvaxa>
Date: Tue, 7-Jan-86 10:57:00 EST
Article-I.D.: ccvaxa.19100002
Posted: Tue Jan  7 10:57:00 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 9-Jan-86 02:47:13 EST
References: <493@imsvax.UUCP>
Lines: 43
Nf-ID: #R:imsvax.UUCP:493:ccvaxa:19100002:000:1879
Nf-From: ccvaxa.UUCP!preece    Jan  7 09:57:00 1986


[response to ted@imsvax's "questions to consider w/r/t airbags]

1. [ted: they'll use microprocessors; do you think they won't break?]
Why should they use microprocessors?  My understanding is that some
designs even use mechanical sensors.  And many microprocessors work
just fine for years and years, especially in embedded applications.
My PC is four years old and has had no repairs.

2. [ted: won't micros in the rain and cold break even more often?]
Again, the use of a micro here is unlikely, but in any case it would
be in a sealed container and ought to be able to cope.

3. [ted: won't drivers perform worse when "pinned" by a bag than now?]
Well, most drivers don't perform at all when squashed against the
windshield, which is the common alternative.  Also, the bag's cycle
time is very rapid, for just that reason.

4. [ted: won't teenagers have fun kicking bumpers at stoplights to
   make airbags fire?]
Oh, come on.  The sensors aren't nearly that sensitive.

5. [ted: how do we stop this crap or disable the things?]
Well, it looks increasingly like you won't be able to stop it.
I imagine it will be possible to disable them, if you're dumb
enough to prefer the windshield as a bumper...

The actual operating experience on airbags has been very good (no,
I don't have numbers at hand, but I have seen them published).
There were very few accidental deployments, with no ill results.
There were quite a few protected bodies in accidents.  I would
NEVER give up using seatbelts, which protect in a variety of cases
not covered by bags and also keep you comfortably anchored behind
the wheel, but I would happily add on the protection of the airbag.

I gather California is going to require bags regardless of Federal
policy, so there should be further data on reliability before too
long.

-- 
scott preece
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