Noblesse,
You have read this article before but excerpts are worth repeating. Yes the ITS is not an air bag but I think NHTSA considers it a side impact safety device and groups it as such. Does the BMW have side air bags also or is their side protection strictly ITS?
By CATHERINE STRONG Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal tests released today indicate Mercedes-Benz side air bags could seriously injure a young child leaning against a door pressing his face against the window or leaning out the window.
The eight models were BMW 323i, Ford Explorer, Saab 9-3, Volkswagen Beetle, Audi A6 and A4, Volvo S80, all from 1999; and the 1998 model General Motors Pontiac Transport.
In one NHTSA test on a Mercedes E-class car, the force on the child's neck from the deploying side air bag was about four times the acceptable injury level recognized by government safety experts, indicating the potential for serious injury, government researchers said. Several test measurements indicated chest injuries ''up to six times (the recommended) injury levels,'' NHTSA's Randa Radwan Samaha said
However, Susan Cischke, a top safety engineer for DaimlerChrysler, said the Mercedes' air bag systems ''are very safe and effective.''
Dr. Ricardo Martinez, NHTSA's chief, said nine automakers have shared extensive side air bag testing data with the agency.
''After reviewing the test data, we had some concern as to whether unintended side effects had been adequately addressed by all the manufacturers,'' Martinez said.
''If we see safety risks materializing, especially to children, we will be quick to intervene,'' he said. ''On the other hand, we do not want to overreact and have a chilling effect on a technology that obviously has great lifesaving potential.''
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The points that stick out is that the BENZ safety system is somewhat flawed. The second is that Martinez stated that he is working with 9 manufacturers. Has his agency stated which automakers he is working with?
The article includes the 8 following:
1. General Motors
2. DaimlerChrysler
3. Ford
4. Volkswagen
5. Audi
6. BMW
7. Volvo
8. Saab
9. ??????
Were are the Asians manufacturers?
One fact is obvious, Side impact safety is still in its infancy, hopefully as it matures so will SMU. |
