ABS and track accident
#1
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I was at Watkins Glen over the weekend and there was an unfortunate accident involving a brand new 997 turbo.
The front end was messed up and the airbags deployed, which wrecked the windshield and will necessitate new airbags, of course.![EEK!](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
Worse, the driver's glasses got pushed into his face and he needed stitches.
![crying](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigcry.gif)
QUESTION 1: For those of us who are belted in with 5-6 point belts and track seats, are airbags helpful?
QUESTION 2: What is the easiest way to disable the airbags? I checked the diagram of the fuses and don't see any fuse for it on the chart. (But my wife does say I can never find anything, so maybe it's right there.)
TIA, CIA, etc.
![crying](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigcry.gif)
The front end was messed up and the airbags deployed, which wrecked the windshield and will necessitate new airbags, of course.
![EEK!](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif)
Worse, the driver's glasses got pushed into his face and he needed stitches.
![crying](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigcry.gif)
![crying](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigcry.gif)
![crying](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/bigcry.gif)
QUESTION 1: For those of us who are belted in with 5-6 point belts and track seats, are airbags helpful?
QUESTION 2: What is the easiest way to disable the airbags? I checked the diagram of the fuses and don't see any fuse for it on the chart. (But my wife does say I can never find anything, so maybe it's right there.)
TIA, CIA, etc.
#2
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I think the side airbags may be helpful in reducing forces for that vector. Not sure about the front airbags but I wear a full face helmet and since it is designed to protect the face on hitting something hard, it should work hitting something soft like an airbag...
Airbags are not easy to deactivate from what I understand. It can be done on the passenger side for child seats but I think a special hardware adaptor is required. When you remove the steering wheel and use a non-airbag wheel, a resistor of some kind is usually required to simulate the presence of an airbag.
Your wife is right. The key sensing organ used for finding anything is the uterus. Men are SOL...
Cheers.
Airbags are not easy to deactivate from what I understand. It can be done on the passenger side for child seats but I think a special hardware adaptor is required. When you remove the steering wheel and use a non-airbag wheel, a resistor of some kind is usually required to simulate the presence of an airbag.
Your wife is right. The key sensing organ used for finding anything is the uterus. Men are SOL...
Cheers.
#6
Three Wheelin'
#7
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From what I hear airbags are not a good idea if you are using a racing harness, neck brace and helmet.
I have also heard that full-face helmets and airbags are not good in that they impact the chin guard and can cause neck injury.
I really can't speak to that, but I do know that systems are designed to work together. On the street a 3-point safety belt and airbags are tuned as a system. Mixing those with racing harnesses, etc. can diminish the effectiveness of the whole system. It would be wise to talk to some professionals in the industry and get recommendations that support your use and needs.
I have also heard that full-face helmets and airbags are not good in that they impact the chin guard and can cause neck injury.
I really can't speak to that, but I do know that systems are designed to work together. On the street a 3-point safety belt and airbags are tuned as a system. Mixing those with racing harnesses, etc. can diminish the effectiveness of the whole system. It would be wise to talk to some professionals in the industry and get recommendations that support your use and needs.
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#8
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Gents and others,
I started this thread. The concensus seems to be that we are better off with the airbag disabled when we are properly in racing seat, belts etc.
CAN WE DISABLE THE AIRBAG OURSELVES? (ie, is there a simple way to do this trackside?)
Fred
ps: i regret that I titled the thread 'ABS'; that's what came out instead of 'Airbag'
I started this thread. The concensus seems to be that we are better off with the airbag disabled when we are properly in racing seat, belts etc.
CAN WE DISABLE THE AIRBAG OURSELVES? (ie, is there a simple way to do this trackside?)
Fred
ps: i regret that I titled the thread 'ABS'; that's what came out instead of 'Airbag'
#11
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#12
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I had an on track incident in my GT3 a couple of years ago. I have a 6 pt. harness, Hans, Full face helmet. I watched the airbag deploy and it never touched me. So my comment is: They are of no value
when they go off.
when they go off.
#13
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Theoretically, I can see some value in side bags, in practice I don't know. I tested airbags a couple of years ago, but only had the front bags, it was interesting and worth the beater car I bought to do it in.
R+C
#15
Three Wheelin'
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Do you guys still get more powerful airbags in the US than in Europe? I know they certainly used to have a bigger charge to compensate for the vast numbers who don't believe in seat belts.