THSCC Forums

Just saw this on another list. I realize that strictly speaking, our events aren't SCCA sanctioned, but the info is likely still relevant.
Cheers,
Anders


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."

_________________
Lina Racing: As Seen On Radio

Anders:

I think you can remove this post. THis "warning" has already been
debunked. This statment was taken out of context from an FIA
study performed for the proposed 2005 airbag deployment in F1 Cars.
Steering wheel and seating position on a F1 car is not relevent to passanger cars and last time I checked either Matt or Sean had any intention to
install airbags in their Radical Sports Racers.

MV

_________________
Mark Vitacco
THSCC TT Chairman
mvitacco@bellsouth.net

Debunked as in "the SCCA is *not* planning on implementing this"? It sure looks like they are



I understand completely that the science behind the original study is irrelevant to almost all of us. However, when has that stopped the SCCA??? *sad face*

There are, I suppose, two issues:

1) how valid is the safety related statement? (most agree not too valid for as wide a sector of the sport as the announcement depicts)

2) Is the SCCA going to implement this, like they say they are?

I'm assuming that when you say "debunk", that applies to #1.

Anders

_________________
Lina Racing: As Seen On Radio