Miata Mailing List: January 1995, Message #135
sponsored by



     


   From: Mac 
Subject: Air bag BOOM!!
   Date: Thu, 5 Jan 1995 02:26:06 -0500

	Someone on the list asked what does it take to deploy an
air bag?  Since I see a lot of these in my line of work, always
already deployed, I thought I would comment.  I do know that
air bags with the TRW sensors will deploy if the accelerometer
matchs teh velocity change characteristic equalling a auto-fixed-object
collision of 15-19 mph.  Mercedes SRS systems will not deploy unless
the deceleration occurs over a fixed period of time AND the passenger
bag will not fire unless it detects weight in the passenger seat.  This
saves on repair costs.  Would I buy a car taht has recieved a severe
enough impact to deploy the airbag?  NO especially not one as small
as a Miata.  BTW the accelrometers only deploy in collisions that have
forward or rearward impact forces (for and aft).  Side to side or a 
"t-bone" type collision will not deploy an airbag.  I once went to a 
motor vehicle accident involving a Geo Metro Convertible that had been
purchased used.  The previous owner had an accident inthe car and the
air bag deployed, he told the buyer that he "repacked" the airbag.
That he did and sealed it up with some really nice black electrical
tape. ;)  Niether of the occupants were wearing their seat bealts (Hey
this car has an airbag!) and both were extremely large women!  One had
thighs as big around as my waist!  It took 4 hours and 15 minutes to 
cut the car away from the driver.  Her injuries: fractured femurs,
pelvic girdle, left tibia and fibula, humerus, facial lacerations,
lacerated liver, and ruptured spleen.  She walked amazingly out of
our trauma center a month or so after the accident.  Do not drink
and drive, and always, always, wear your damn seatbelts!
					-Mac
$exit soapbox/mode