Airbag, or helmet :)

ThatsRicci · 05-15-2006, 10:35 AM

So when i configured my FJ, i decided to avoid all extra dealercosts on accessories and options (figuring i'll do most of that work myself, aftermarket stereo/trailerhitch/roofrack...etc.) one option that i was coin-flip on was the additional curtain and side airbags... I just configured it on friday so if i change my mind i still got some time - but i just wondered if anyone had any concerns other than 'safety' why you wouldn't need the curtains?
If all passengers wear seatbelts......

I mean it is 'peace of mind' but what about all that extra hardware in the roof when making some mods (lightbars, sunroof...etc.) not to mention unneccessary deployment while offroad and thus $$$ to replace.

Standard airbags are all I've ever had in any vehicle anyway...

How much of the FJ is already pre-wired for the optional airbags if you wanted to add them later -- plug and chug?

Poll is to see how many people are actually going for the extra airbags...

***Bostonian1976*** · 05-15-2006, 10:47 AM

I need help! Side Air Bags or not?!?!

ThatsRicci · 05-15-2006, 10:51 AM

GRrrrr! I swear i searched!!! i swear!!

Kansas Law Dog · 05-15-2006, 11:03 AM

ThatsRicci - You will get answers from both sides of this question. So I will jump in with my opinion. The side air curtains are designed to protect in a T-bone type impact. Because people are driving and using devices that distract their attention, accidents of this nature are on the increase. The number one distraction is cell phones. This is followed by palm pilots, fiddling with the mega radio/DVD, and entering for directions on a GPS.

All that said, I live in a low population density area and have been driving many years. I own a cell phone, but do not talk on it when I drive. If I'm expecting a phone call, I will answer it and ask to hold a minute while I find a place to pull over to talk or tell them I will call back when I can (it is never an emergency that cannot wait - ever). I don't own a palm pilot or GPS, and will only have the basic radio system in the FJ. I always wear my seat belt properly cinched across my lap and over my shoulder, which not only is the first line of protection in a crash, but keeps the driver secure to the seat on bumpy roads, sharp turns, and avoidance maneuvering. The frontal air bags are mandatory, and fortunately I have never needed to see if they work properly. However, the side air curtains are optional and I will forego that $650 option.

ThatsRicci · 05-15-2006, 11:36 AM

Frainkly, SoCal accidents are most always highway oriented (front/rear smashes) due to sudden traffic jams..etc... I rarely see a truck struck during a merging accident - usually it's the truck swiping a smaller vehicle. Intersections down here are generally slower moving due to the large traffic anyway

... but then again, that's why they call them Accidents!

Actually when i think about it, some of these grid streets here in pacific beach have random intersections with 4-way stops, some with 2-way..etc. I'm always worried when i cruise through the non-stopping 2-way direction that someone intersecting thinks i have a stop sign too and will poke out in front of me --in front of me these are of the 25mph types...

***Bostonian1976*** · 05-15-2006, 11:38 AM

pay 650 to save your head. seriously. it's a no-brainer (pun intended).

if you live in a really rural area, then I see why you'd think twice, but in a high concentration area, just get 'em. It's worth the extra 650

*MissFJ* · 05-15-2006, 11:47 AM

I have optional airbags! I've seen too many family n' friends hurt from side impacts. I also wear a helmet too...nothing wrong with double protection!!!

ThatsRicci · 05-15-2006, 11:51 AM

anddddddddd.. just called the dealer says they order them with the side airbags anyway... said they are generally hard to find in a timely fashion w/o the airbags..

now, will my fj 1/18th model come with airbags? that trigger at 1/18th the impact force?

tractorlegend · 05-15-2006, 11:57 AM

Airbags in conjunction w/ seatbelts are proven to save lives. I want all the protection available for my family.
It's always the other pre occupied and/or drunk "idiot" we have to worry about.
I'm sure there will be a way to disable the airbags if desired---(give me a wiring schematic and i'll figure it out)
either by factory provided means or by the addition of a toggle switch.
Squibs (the actual air bag itself) have a service life currently in the 10-15 year range depending on manufacturers opinion. They are not cheap to replace down the road fo those keeping their rigs "forever"-just something to consider.

tnegiet · 05-15-2006, 12:27 PM

Quote:

MissFJ previously said:

I have optional airbags! I've seen too many family n' friends hurt from side impacts. I also wear a helmet too...nothing wrong with double protection!!!

No air bag, get head tagged.

Kinda sounds like "No glove, no love."

I wear an inflatable sumo suit, seat belt, helmet, and a cup. Just in case.....