Airbags Suck - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

Well I found out today R-compound tires can be hazardous to your health. I threw the Victoracers in the back or the truck to have them flipped and re-balanced for tomorrow's event at Phoenix International Receway. On the way back, a waste management garbage truck decided to cross all 7 lanes of 7th Street to make a left hand turn in front of me and literally drove over the hood of my F-150.

I had my seatbelt on and should be alright. I've got burns up the inside of my right forearm and bruising and cuts across my chest and stomach from the airbag deploying. I'm thinking I probably would not even have a scratch if the truck did not have airbags. I'm definately out for tomorrow's autocross. I went out to change tires and ended upo reopening some of my wounds from this morning.

I'm very concerned now about the Camaro since I sit a lot lower and closer to the wheel in that vehicle. I'm thinking the airbag deploying in that would cause even more injury than today's did. I know that there have been rumors about the SCCA having a new rule no longer allowing full face helmets in cars with an active airbag. What does the current rulebook say about disabling airbags?

2000Z-71 View Member Profile	Jan 16 2005, 03:28 AM Post #1
Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 155 Joined: 18-April 04 From: Phoenix, Az. Member No.: 314	Well I found out today R-compound tires can be hazardous to your health. I threw the Victoracers in the back or the truck to have them flipped and re-balanced for tomorrow's event at Phoenix International Receway. On the way back, a waste management garbage truck decided to cross all 7 lanes of 7th Street to make a left hand turn in front of me and literally drove over the hood of my F-150. I had my seatbelt on and should be alright. I've got burns up the inside of my right forearm and bruising and cuts across my chest and stomach from the airbag deploying. I'm thinking I probably would not even have a scratch if the truck did not have airbags. I'm definately out for tomorrow's autocross. I went out to change tires and ended upo reopening some of my wounds from this morning. I'm very concerned now about the Camaro since I sit a lot lower and closer to the wheel in that vehicle. I'm thinking the airbag deploying in that would cause even more injury than today's did. I know that there have been rumors about the SCCA having a new rule no longer allowing full face helmets in cars with an active airbag. What does the current rulebook say about disabling airbags?

slowTA View Member Profile	Jan 16 2005, 04:13 PM Post #2
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,289 Joined: 4-May 04 From: Kenvil, NJ Member No.: 331	I'm convinced air bags have their place in high speed crashes, but aren't so good for low speed stuff. You didn't say if your truck has the newer 'safer' deploying airbags. They're supposed to have less of a charge in them so you won't get injured like you did. When I'm driving an airbag equiped car I try to keep a looser grip with all of my fingers on the outside of the wheel. I've heard this is supposed to allow your hands to be pushed away from the bag, instead of getting a digit hung up on the wheel causing a wrist injury. I also move the seat as far back as possible. Doesn't stuff like this always happen JUST after you get done with a cool project. My '86 was totaled a few weeks after I finished a motor swap. I had hot starting issues with it at the time... mofo started right up after the wreck! I feel your pain. (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/rant.gif)