JPS

I've been trying to get my wife to drive the 993 more often, and might even have her talked into an autocross...but I was watching her this am, and I noticed how close she is to the steering wheel.

She's only about 4' 11", so she puts the seat all the way forward, all the way up, and has a tiny pillow she sits on...works fine, and she doesn't slide around, but I'm wondering in the event of an airbag deployment...is there a minimum distance you should be from the airbag so it is helpful and not just an explosively propelled problem?

Thanks,

bcameron59

Good question; my teeny tiny wife also sits closer to the wheel than I'd like to see. Here's a couple of quotes I turned up on a web search:

"The recommended minimum distance between the driver and the steering wheel should be 18 inches. Anything closer could possibly result in severe burns and chest and arm injuries."
(from <a href="http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/faculties/MGMT/inrm/industry/product/airbags/webproject.html" target="_blank">http://www.ucalgary.ca/UofC/faculties/MGMT/inrm/industry/product/airbags/webproject.html</a>

And:
"To allow sufficient space for the airbag to deploy in an emergency, your chest should be a minimum of 20 cm from the centre portion of the wheel containing the airbag. Preferably, you should allow at least 25 cm (about a wrist to elbow worth) of space." from:
<a href="http://www.globeandmail.com/globemegawheels/20001109/driving.html" target="_blank">http://www.globeandmail.com/globemegawheels/20001109/driving.html</a>

These are both Canadian references, and I'm not sure if US and Canada have the same standards for airbags. I once read something that suggest that Canada had - or should have - "gentler" airbags because a much higher percentage of its population wears seat belts - the US airbags are supposedly designed to protect occupants who aren't wearing belts.

STLPCA

Here's a link to some more airbag deployment info:

<a href="http://www.airbagonoff.com/airbag%20safety.htm" target="_blank">Air Bag Safety</a>

George Helser

Airbags were originally designed to protect a 170 pound, male who was not wearing a seat belt. Is there any benefit to paying $500 for a front airbag if you are wearing a seat belt? Are front airbags deadly to small people seated too close to them - YES!!! I wish airbags were optional!

I wear a seat belt and am a tall guy so a front airbag is so far away it is of no benefit to me. If I have my hand on the horn when the airbag deploys, it will probably break my hand as my hand impacts my face and breaks my nose - not to mention burns on my arm.

Side impacts to the head are the most deadly and side impact airbags could be very beneficial.

Regards,
George
In sunny Arizona