Date:         Thu, 7 Jan 1999 15:35:19 -0500
Reply-To:     Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Townsend <townsend@RTP.ERICSSON.SE>
Subject:      Re: airbag rant
Comments: To: David-M <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

-----Original Message-----
From: David-M <dmc@CYBURBAN.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, January 07, 1999 2:54 PM
Subject: Re: airbag rant


>Bill wrote:
>>
>> I just have to point out that while some children have been injured and
>> killed by airbags (in many cases because their parents ignored the simple
>> safety instruction to put the child in the back seat)
>>
>Its a stupid instruction!
>Not always possible if you have more than one child.

Hello,

I disagree -- it is a wonderful instruction, whether you have airbags or
not.  What is stupid is that it is sometimes used as an excuse to not give
the educated consumer control of his own vehicle's passenger airbag.

I believe that all vehicles should be provided with an airbag cutoff switch
for the front passenger.  I filled out the government forms for my 97
Passat, but of course VW doesn't make the part and I am S.O.L.  I have
"permission" to install it, but no switch to install.  Therefore, I went and
purchased a Vanagon when the carpool requirements dictated.  I do not want
to remove the airbag fuse in the Passat because I believe that it benefits
me.  Unfortunately, it appears that the government will never let the
consumers take responsibility for their own actions, because most consumers
are too stupid and clueless.  I have already read a news article where
someone murdered his child with a passenger airbag -- and it was in a newer
Ford F-150 Extended cab, equipped with a back seat AND A CUTOFF SWITCH!!!
Maybe we should have an education / licensing procedure to become parents .
. . . . . .

Oh well, I'll go somewhere else to vent the rest of my steam . . .

Michael Townsend
townsend@rtp.ericsson.se