Stingray24 wrote:
Bertster7 wrote:
Do you know that most big American cars get very low safety ratings in Europe?
It's true. None have 5 star ratings.
I honestly don't care what pointy-headed researchers in Europe or the US think. The fact is that in 2 high speed accidents, my all American large vehicle saved my life and that of my wife and it had nothing to do with a 5 star rating that someone in a lab checked off on a clipboard. A smaller car would not have withstood the head on impact at 60mph even with it's fancy crumple zones. Airbag? It would've broken my arm because of how I'm comfortable holding the steering wheel. Collapsing steering column? It would've come through my chest instead of stopping short of it. My cousin and my uncle were driving a little jellybean car and payed the price in an accident just like the one I had. I got away with some bruises and aching muscles but they weren't so lucky. Both of them had broken legs and my cousin had to have a rod put in his leg to heal the compound fracture. The engine of the car entered the passenger compartment, so these researchers and their ratings can go fly a kite.
I fully support improved fuel mileage, but on a more realistic timeframe and not at the cost of safety. I'm not driving a car that might save me a couple dollars at the pump but makes me wonder what will happen to myself and my family if the worst happens on the road.
Ha. I'm proof that you are just well, lucky.
I was in an accident years ago, when I was a tween. An American Battleship of a car (Ford Crown Vic) crossed the center median on a highway here.
Crown Vic hit a Nissan pickup, which scattered debris. Our Plymouth Acclaim (remember Plymouth?) hit the debris, lost control, and hit the pickup.
The guy in the Crown Vic very nearly died, the whole front half of his car sheared off and crumpled into a mess.
The Plymouth Acclaim was still drivable, though with the passenger door jammed, and the front quarterpanel banged up.
The pickup had a bent frame/ twisted-up bed, and a cracked radiator.
If it were not for researchers, ratings, and safety guidelines, you'd have died as an infant most likely. (Researchers make vaccines, remember?)
Sorry your crash was so bad. But without the Eggheads, your crash would have most likely been fatal. (Researchers were behind the push for seatbelts in the 50's-60's.)
Edit again: Perhaps your argument would hold more water, were you arguing with someone less educated.