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BrantV · Jan 4th, 2003, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by olerud400
Though I don't have a solution I have a thought that couild be important. In addition do not forget about the curtain air bag in the A-pillar or the seat bag (previously mentioned).

Adam

The head curtain shouldn't be a problem for children. The big problem with airbags and child safety seats, is that the seats tend to put the child within the intended volume of the airbag. Airbags deploy via a controlled explosion, and will occupy their intended space with no regard for what may already be there. They also deploy at about 200 mph. The worst is a rear facing child seat, as they protrude well into the intended volume of the airbag. In the battle for space unfortunately the airbag wins. What you end up with is a child getting hit in the face, or from behind at 120-200 mph which is why there were so many fatalities even at relatively slow impacts.

With the head curtain, is your child booster seat places the child high enough to be effected, then perhaps they've outgrown the seat.

I'd have more concern over the side airbag in the seat. I suppose it would depend on how wide the child seat was. Oregon just passed a law that requires booster seats for children until they are 12 or above 60 lbs. (Not absolute on the weight).

My truck has a key operated override for the front airbag, which I sometimes forget to re-enable for adults. Luckily there's a light, and a few were alert enough to notice it and remind me.

I'd love to be able to temporarily, and on a drive by drive basis, disable the front airbag in the MINI. Preferably via a key switch like I do currently. As fast as my niece is approaching a size and weight that will no longer require a booster seat, at 5 I'm in no rush to remove her from the seat, and I know she enjoys the view from the front seats.

Jan 4th, 2003, 08:33 PM	#9
BrantV MINI2 Senior Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Pasadena, CA Local Time: 01:35 PM Posts: 560 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by olerud400 Though I don't have a solution I have a thought that couild be important. In addition do not forget about the curtain air bag in the A-pillar or the seat bag (previously mentioned). Adam The head curtain shouldn't be a problem for children. The big problem with airbags and child safety seats, is that the seats tend to put the child within the intended volume of the airbag. Airbags deploy via a controlled explosion, and will occupy their intended space with no regard for what may already be there. They also deploy at about 200 mph. The worst is a rear facing child seat, as they protrude well into the intended volume of the airbag. In the battle for space unfortunately the airbag wins. What you end up with is a child getting hit in the face, or from behind at 120-200 mph which is why there were so many fatalities even at relatively slow impacts. With the head curtain, is your child booster seat places the child high enough to be effected, then perhaps they've outgrown the seat. I'd have more concern over the side airbag in the seat. I suppose it would depend on how wide the child seat was. Oregon just passed a law that requires booster seats for children until they are 12 or above 60 lbs. (Not absolute on the weight). My truck has a key operated override for the front airbag, which I sometimes forget to re-enable for adults. Luckily there's a light, and a few were alert enough to notice it and remind me. I'd love to be able to temporarily, and on a drive by drive basis, disable the front airbag in the MINI. Preferably via a key switch like I do currently. As fast as my niece is approaching a size and weight that will no longer require a booster seat, at 5 I'm in no rush to remove her from the seat, and I know she enjoys the view from the front seats.