Date:         Fri, 13 Apr 2001 06:52:05 -0500
Reply-To:     CHRIS STANN <cstann3@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         CHRIS STANN <cstann3@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Re: More Van Rollover news
Comments: To: Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> When I see those car-chase programs on TV, mostly US-made, I have trouble
> believing the way US-designed cars wallow and crash with little or no
> provocation. partly due to awful (cheap) tires, mainly due to a
combination
> of total ignorance of the driver and no dynamic ability on the car's part.


U.S. driver licensing program in majority of our states is severely lacking
in driver-skill emphasis.  Combine that lack of training with your average
US-behemoth-SUV design and you have recipe for disaster.  Add a cell phone
wedged between the neck and the shoulder and you have an almost certain
accident.

I don't think U.S. car manufacturers are totally to blame for the hopeless
designs they produce.  After all, they are only attempting to meet the
expectation of the market.  In a land where safety is synonymous with size
and car handling is a foreign word I am glad our speed limits aren't any
higher.

Our Vanagons, with the lower center of gravity than most vehicles their
size, with proper shocks, tires, and a well-maintained suspension are much
more adept at handling emergency situations.  Unless, of course, you are
fully loaded.

Chris.
'85 Westy.