[Healeys] Airbags (was Re: Fatal Healey Accident)

[Bob Spidell]

Airbags are now available for light aircraft, which have similar panel impact issues to our old cars. They are fitted in the shoulder straps of 3-point harnesses, and powered by compressed gas (not pyrotechnics). 

I would say it's not out of the realm of possibility but, obviously, would be a complex and expensive proposition. First, you'd have to convince the manufacturer--I'm only aware of one--that it would be a profitable endeavor. 

Bob 

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Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA 

----- Original Message -----


Tracy raises an interesting point: is it possible/practical to add airbags to 
classic cars (particularly Healeys)? An airbag in the glove box for the 
passenger and a ne steering wheel/trafficator arrangement to allow a steering 
wheel airbag? Has anyone done it? Does any company make airbag kits? I have 
never seen any advertised... 

Perhaps an incident like this might get some entrepreneurs working on it. I 
suppose that there are all sorts of government regulations about airbags and 
retro-fitted airbags might not be as protective as OEM airbags on new cars, 
but wouldn't any airbag be better than none at all? 

Bob Atkinson