How safe is our Old imp in traffic

[<tomswift@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Viljar,

Don't worry too much about the safety issues of driving your new '71.  First of 
all, there are two sides to the question of safety: the passive and the active.

The "passive" is the side that most people think of when they think of safety, 
that is, the vehicle's ability to take an impact and how well it protects its 
occupants during that impact.

However, there is also the concept of "active safety," which is the ability to 
foresee and avoid an accident in the first place.  This has more to do with 
visibility, handling, brakes, and the driver's skills more than anything else.

So I guess my point is, if you are a good driver and practice active safety, 
you are better off than a driver who pays little attention and counts on the 
strength of the car to protect him.  I have found that most people who own and 
drive old cars are FAR better drivers than people who strictly drive new cars, 
simply because they are much more aware of the road and try to avoid damaging 
their babys as much as possible!

The other thing is, your '71 was as safe as, or safer than, any car made in 
1971.  You can't really expect it to live up to 2004 standards.  But that 
doesn't mean you shouldn't drive it, just drive it with caution.

Last, in terms of who "wins" in a collision, nobody really wins, but who comes 
away with the fewest injuries depends on a lot of different factors.  If you 
are in a small car and an SUV hits you head on, the much higher SUV will have a 
tendency to climb up over the front of your steeply sloped, very aerodynamic 
front end and end up in your lap.  That is not going to happen in a 1971 
Imperial.  There's a lot of steel to go through before they get to you.

But as I understand it, in every collision there are really 3 collisions: 

the collision b/n the 2 vehicles
the collision b/n you and the interior of your car
the collision b/n your internal organs and the inside of your body (your brain 
slamming into the inside of your skull-- yeeouch!)

I think your Imperial will do well in category one, but not as well in category 
2.  However, in '71 you should have both a seat belt, a lap belt, and padded 
dash, padded steering wheel, collapsible steering wheel, etc., so you are 
better off than people think.

I just wouldn't worry about it.  Drive sensibly and wear your belts and you'll 
be okay.

Mark
> 
> From: viljar@xxxxxxxxx
> Date: 2004/06/11 Fri AM 11:19:42 EDT
> To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: IML: How safe is our Old imp in traffic
> 
> Hello.
> I must say i have waited that container for a long time and as the date, 
> my green 71' imperial arrives on, is closing..
> 
> I have had a lot of discussions about it with my friends..
> 
> One issue has risen.. Safety..
> We went to argue about how safe is it to meet some newer softer cars on a 
> road.. I promise i wil never make any dangerous maneuvers or stuff with 
> the car.. but the issue is itimidating, we can never tell if and when 
> something could go wrong..
> 
> So I have heard that Imperials are strong, though strong does not mean 
> safe..
> My friends argue that on low speeds.. Old big and heavy car could be on 
> the safe side.. on High speeds the modern cars have much more considered 
> safety features that could save a soul..
> deforming front, airbags, safetybars, engine that goes under the car and 
> stuff..
> 
> I could not point out anything else than that with heavy Imperial I just 
> ride through those soft rice..
> 
> I have seen heavier MB doing that with some softer smaller italian make.. 
> (both modern cars)
> MB looked like a car though not in so good shape, the driver was ok..
> but the italian one was flat as pancake.. it was direct impact and the 
> guilt was on MB drivers side.. but the victims were in other one..
> 
> 
> Truth is I have no idea about how could one imperial act when it comes to 
> meetin another car on a road..
> and the Truth is I hope and will do everything to not get that experience 
> ever never..
> 
> but I have to have some base to hand out next time I will discuss the very 
> same subject with my friends.
> Is there any readings in internet or can someone tell a story about it, 
> anything will do
> 
> heh sorry for bad english, its not my first language, I hope someone 
> understood a bit:D
> 
> Viljar Mee
> 
> 
> 
>