It can be argued that new cars and trucks protect occupants better than ever before.
From advanced technologies like lane-keeping and automatic braking and speed control to good ol’ fashioned seat-belts and airbags, its no wonder auto fatalities in the U.S. have steadily declined over the past decade.
Take the driver of this Cadillac CTS, for example. The rear assembly on the drivers side of the vehicle came off the car and caused the last-gen CTS sedan to careen into a tree and a telephone pole, according to reports.
He admits the airbag saved his life. The ‘bag also caused one of the best temporary “tattoos” we’ve ever seen– an imprint of the Cadillac crest on his forearm.
The driver freely admits he was holding the lower part of the wheel with the hand on his now-branded arm, causing the wheel cover to launch squarely at his forearm.
As you may have guessed the CTS was totalled in the crash. And to make matters worse the insurance payout was below the value of vehicle. Despite all this the driver says he would by another Cadillac in a heartbeat.
His remarks on Reddit suggest he is taking the whole incident in stride, “Cadillac airbag saved my life, made sure I remember that.”
Luckily for the driver (and GM), the story of this crash had a pretty happy and hilarious end.
Comments
Hell a Air Bag will tear you up. I got nailed in an accident where I did not hit anything hard but the front lip of the bumper bent under. When it popped out it set the bag off after I stopped. It burned my face and arms. Also cut up both arm and hands. It did get me out of the car fast as I did not want to breath in the crap from it.
I know the bags can do good in many cases the sad part is many folks do not use a belt and the bag in these cases do more damage with neck and head injuries.
Generally if you have a belt on the odds are good you will come out alive. Bags help but there is some added risk if you do not use them right.
At least it’s not by takata
Good point I am still alive LOL!
This is why you should not have a tooth pick, sucker, crack pipe or any other object you your mouth as it will do damage. My sun glasses were found in the cargo area in the back by the tail gate. New Ray Bans too. Or at least were.
“The rear assembly on the drivers side of the vehicle came off the car and caused the last-gen CTS sedan to careen into a tree and a telephone pole”? What the hell is that about?
From reading the article and viewing the other pictures, I think the cause and effect may be reversed. It looks to me that the car hit a pole which tore the drivers rear wheel assembly loose – not the other way around.
I’m a firm believer in air bags after having an accident right before Thanksgiving 2014. Driving my 2001 Grand Prix, I rear ended a Lincoln MKZ who was going <40 mph in the inside lane of a turnpike. At the moment of impact, I figure I was doing about 55-60mph. I was also wearing my seatbelt and the only injury I sustained was a bruise on the ball of my right foot from slamming on the brakes.
I also position the steering wheel low and aimed at my chest, not my face. The bag still knocked my glasses off, but didn't damage them or leave my face any uglier than it already is. 🙂
Soon the government will be making all drivers wear helmets and that is what will save more lives then airbags.