THSCC Forums

SPORTS CAR CLUB OF AMERICA, INC

PO Box 19400, Topeka, KS 66619-0400

(800) 770-2055 Fax (785) 232-7214 www.scca.com

Technical Services Participant Bulletin

DATE: November 16, 2004 FROM: National Staff TO: All Participants

SUBJECT: Airbag Advisory

It has been brought to the attention of SCCA Technical Services that the use of full-face or closed-face helmets while driving vehicles with active airbag restraint systems may result in injuries in the event of a crash that deploys the airbag. Because of the location of the steering wheel relative to a driver’s position, the airbag axis is on a level with the driver’s chin. In a crash with airbag deployment, contact with the chin area of a full-face helmet can be so powerful "that the risk of fractures to the jaw cannot be ruled out" (Hubert Gramling, FIA Institute, FT3/AF, 18.5.1999). This applies to vehicle that may be used in Solo, RallyCross, High Performance Car Control Clinics, etc.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that full-face helmets not be used in vehicles with functional airbag systems. Potentially more restrictive language is currently being considered for 2005, which could appear in an early 2005 issue of FasTrack. If you have any questions, please contact the SCCA at (800) 770-2055.

_________________
http://www.greywinds.com

I didn't want to post this in the Track and Rallycross areas also but it does apply to all. Maybe a moderator can make a link or whatever.

Graham

_________________
http://www.greywinds.com

IMHO that press release is worthless. It leaves more questions after reading it than there were before I read it.

they might as well put out a one line press release that says "Something is going to happen."

Scott

Hmmmm,

I use a motorcycle rated helmet that is designed to crush when it hits the ground when somebody does something stupid (whether rider or another driver). It might punch the crap out of my face, but if it comes out with the force to break my jaw, I'd personally rather it hit the helmet first and have that dissipate most of the energy rather than my purty mouth.

_________________
Has no responsibility whatsoever.

You know what? My hair gets kind of messed up when I wear a helmet. Can we just get rid of them altogether?

_________________
Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Your helmet or your hair just like John H. Sheally II (tm) did?

_________________
Has no responsibility whatsoever.

Geez, I've got a bathroom rug that looks better than that thing!

_________________
Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

Wanna see something interesting: google "Sheally" and either hair or wig or rug, and all three searches return the top stories that reference John Sheally.

Cowinkiedink or not?

_________________
Has no responsibility whatsoever.

Ummmm... back to the subject line. I wonder if the SCCA folks talked to doctors who treat head and neck injuries. In my car, the air bag is below my head, so I would be more concerned that the airbag would force my helmet, and my head, upwards and backwards. That could cause a nasty neck or base of skull injury.

It's always something.

Art

It's definitely always something. Pretty soon, someone's going to decide getting out of the bed in the morning could possibly allow someone to slip in the shower and cause an injury, so we will no longer be allowed to take a shower. Yikes. Or even get out of bed in the morning. I mean really, how can we risk it???

_________________
Diane (Hall) Bundas
1992 Spec Miata #48 - 1997 Chevy Tahoe - 2007 Honda Civic Coupe

Besides Mother's milk leads to everything. Maybe we should ban that too.

_________________
George Bright Member # 141
One of the youngest of the old farts.
Yes I voted against you joining the club.