Safety Improvements

[Alessandro]

Often we talk about what can be done for performance improvements, but what can be done for safety? While I can't install multiple roll bars and a Hans device on a daily driver, seeing NASCAR drivers come out of multiple flips and regular bashes relatively unscathed makes me wonder. Would racing seats/racing harnesses help? What kind of safety improvements can we make on our own cars? I'd include preventative measures as well (e.g., good tires, good brakes).

 

[Vette73]

Cars are safe IMO. My car has 6 airbags in it (2 front, 2 side, and 2 head). Let alone ABS/ stabletrack, traction control, winter driving mode, etc...

I don't need anymore. All the safety equip. is the reason our gas milage keeps going down. It weighs a ton.

The easiest way to improve safety, improve the driver. The more you add the more "safe" people feel and drive as such. I say give them a old Bel-Air and show them what happens if they get in a wreck and see how safe they drive after that.

 

[Bignate603]

The only thing I can think of is maybe using a 4 point seat belt instead of a 3 point. People wouldn't like it though because they would feel more restricted.

 

[RGUN]

Originally posted by: Bignate603
The only thing I can think of is maybe using a 4 point seat belt instead of a 3 point. People wouldn't like it though because they would feel more restricted.

Pretty sure 4/5 point belts are illegal (here at least). Have you ever tried to do a shoulder check when strapped in tightly? It works for race cars because they dont have to concern themselves with that.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Cars are safe IMO. My car has 6 airbags in it (2 front, 2 side, and 2 head). Let alone ABS/ stabletrack, traction control, winter driving mode, etc...

I don't need anymore. All the safety equip. is the reason our gas milage keeps going down. It weighs a ton.

The easiest way to improve safety, improve the driver. The more you add the more "safe" people feel and drive as such. I say give them a old Bel-Air and show them what happens if they get in a wreck and see how safe they drive after that.

Maybe you're expensive car has all that but his might not.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: RGUN

Originally posted by: Bignate603
The only thing I can think of is maybe using a 4 point seat belt instead of a 3 point. People wouldn't like it though because they would feel more restricted.

Pretty sure 4/5 point belts are illegal (here at least). Have you ever tried to do a shoulder check when strapped in tightly? It works for race cars because they dont have to concern themselves with that.

I understand, I was in a 5 point in my minibaja car and you just can't see behind you. I didn't have any mirrors so it was kind of freaky. You had no idea what was going on behind you.

I think Volvo did a 4 point seat belt. However, if I remember right they did it like a normal 3 point with a second buckle. You buckled up normally and then buckled the second shoulder strap. They also were like a normal car seat belt where they could move relatively freely until there was a sudden jerk, like in a crash.

 

[IronWing]

Originally posted by: zerocool84

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Cars are safe IMO. My car has 6 airbags in it (2 front, 2 side, and 2 head). Let alone ABS/ stabletrack, traction control, winter driving mode, etc...

I don't need anymore. All the safety equip. is the reason our gas milage keeps going down. It weighs a ton.

The easiest way to improve safety, improve the driver. The more you add the more "safe" people feel and drive as such. I say give them a old Bel-Air and show them what happens if they get in a wreck and see how safe they drive after that.

Maybe you're expensive car has all that but his might not.

I think he is right though. The cheapest, best way to improve safety is to improve the driver. Defensive driving classes, performance driving classes, 4x4 classes, which ever suits the driver's needs.

After that, I think visibility improvements such as more running lights and reflectors would be next on the list. If the OP's car is old enough to lack a third brake light, that might be a consideration.

Edit: As far as survivability in a crash is concerned, I think that installing and using cargo containment systems that prevent your crap from killing you is high on the list. I use a cargo net in my vehicle.

 

[kalrith]

Securefoam

 

[thomsbrain]

If they offered 4 or 5 point harnesses with free release and G-activated locking mechanisms (just like normal modern belts), I would use them without reservation.

 

[vi edit]

The number one safety vehice in a car sits behind the wheel. All this technical whizbang stuff does is make us even worse drivers.