Return-path: <RAWAWA@aol.com>
From: RAWAWA@aol.com
Full-name: RAWAWA
Message-ID: <1ee.2f26d361.2ed0d93a@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 12:30:34 EST
Subject: SCCA Bulletin,applies to LSR
To: BWANA343@aol.com
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
X-Mailer: 9.0 for Windows sub 5000
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative by demime 0.99d.1
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain
Fellow list members, LSR enthusiasts and any other venue this may apply to,
SCCA released the following bulletin regarding use of full face (closed)
helmets and air bags. It appears there is a potential for broke jaws
resulting
from the chin piece of the helmet being hit by the deploying air bag. I 'd
assume there are members with production class vehicles with still
functioning
Air Bags that this might apply to. I don't know if there is an official SCTA
policy on this, but I believe it bears at least a little research by
individual racers and the sanctioning organizations . Concessions should
never be an
option with SAFETY .
Bob Wanner in NY
Herebs the bulletin that was distributed.
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 driverbs position, the airbag axis is
on a level with the driverbs chin. In a crash with airbag deployment,
contact with the chin area of a full-face helmet can be so powerful
b that the risk of fractures to the jaw cannot be ruled outb (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.
|