kennethr@sri-unix (08/25/82)
I like the idea of inflatable restraint systems in automobiles, but I do not think they go far enough in their protective capabilities. Any restraint system should protect the occupants of an automobile from impact on any side, and I feel that inflatable restraints such as air bags should be modified to provide that protection. One simple solution would be to modify the present air bag system so that it is inflated with helium at the time of collision, so that the impacted automobile will float upward. This approach will divert much of the momentum of the impact into the Z axis, thereby avoiding secondary collisions and much physical and emotional trauma for the victims. The descent would be facilitated by a microprocessor-controlled bag-release valve (the MC6801 has an on-chip timer that would be very useful) so that no injuries are incurred when the automobile returns to the pavement. I feel that this solution is reasonable enough to warrant legislation to the effect that every automobile registered in the United States and Canada must contain helium air bags, and that even those persons who do not presently own automobiles must purchase one with inflatable helium restraints within 60 days of the enactment of the law. The only persons exempt from this statute would be those who qualify as conscientious objectors; these people would be allowed to remove the helium air bags from their automobiles, and would instead wear impact-inflatable clothing of their own provision. Ken Rhodes decvax!tekmdp!kennethr