Re: Seat belts

Posted by carla on July 28, 1998 at 15:24:09

In Reply to: Seat belts
posted by Paul Reasenberg on July 27, 1998 at 18:13:18

hello, paul.

if you wish to fit seat belts, that's fine, but there is a safety issue to consider.
to protect yourself in a "roll over" or "tip over" situation you must fit a substantial roll bar, and fit laminated safety glass to the door and side windows.
these were requirements developed back in the late '40's-- early 50's when the organised hot rod clubs were formed.
all too many people had been hurt or killed when the old cross-spring fords tipped over and they didn't keep their heads down as the plate-glass side windows turned into long jagged flying fragments. the old fords are far more likely to
go sideways and roll or tip over following any collision than any of the later model cars, due to their suspension design and higher centre of gravity.---i've seen this first-hand--! !
there was very good reason for the later 30's cars to be built with the "turret top" and laminated safety glass all around.
it is, of course, statistically quite factual that seat belts are a valid safety device in the event of a head-on collision, and this kind of wreck is statistically most common today.
i, personally, just don't believe that a head-on wreck is more likely for a prudent and careful operator, than is a glancing strike or a roll over--- the head-on wrecks we see every day here in california are the result of needless carelessness, or a lack of even reasonable skill or ability in vehicle use.
moral of the story?--- use seat belts if you like, but remember that you're taking a risk---so be very careful-- ! !
carla
p. s. -- sorry about "preaching"--but i've been on the road safely since '58 myself---i've seen too much tragedy which could have been prevented---the only real safety feature of any car or truck is a careful and prudent operator--end of sermon.

Follow Ups:
Re: Seat belts Paul Reasenberg July 29, 1998 at 15:12:05(0)

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