Side impact bars ?
Discussion
Hmmm. Didn't quite expect the level of emotional and space-wasting response to this question. Only posted a few times here and have so far got constructive feedback. Thanks to those who have contributed constructively to this one... Having bought a Caterham, I am of course clear that they are not safe cars in a relative sense. I am simply looking for any views about whether the side impact bars do a reasonable job increasing the RELATIVE level of safety (and any other associated issues with them).
The 7 should be regarded as a 4 wheel motorbike in my opinion.
After a couple of near misses, I've learnt to read other road users/road conditions better. I would have avoided the situations all together if I had been more aware.
I wonder if anything should be learnt from bikers as to reading the road and other users?
After a couple of near misses, I've learnt to read other road users/road conditions better. I would have avoided the situations all together if I had been more aware.
I wonder if anything should be learnt from bikers as to reading the road and other users?
CraigyB said:
The 7 should be regarded as a 4 wheel motorbike in my opinion.
After a couple of near misses, I've learnt to read other road users/road conditions better. I would have avoided the situations all together if I had been more aware.
I agree.After a couple of near misses, I've learnt to read other road users/road conditions better. I would have avoided the situations all together if I had been more aware.
CraigyB said:
I wonder if anything should be learnt from bikers as to reading the road and other users?
Well running with your comparison to motorcyclists, they generally try to make themselves visible to other road users and they also wear personal protective equipment the mitigate the injury in the event of an accident. A bit like how a side impact bar can mitigate the injuries sustained in a side impact in a Caterham. rotorwings said:
BritishRacinGrin said:
This old-fashioned "safety isn't macho" attitude just refuses to die. It's so misguided and frankly, pathetic. Who is impressed?
Not this guy: 
I suspect the occupant of that 7 would have other injuries to consider as posted previously https://www.cirrelt.ca/DocumentsTravail/CIRRELT-20...
As a lad I remember a Europa coming in to the workshop, no roof, screen and all the bodywork upfront had disappeared there were actually three people in the car two girls and a guy, they had all walked away I am told without any injury it was put down to the bodywork absorbing the energy of the impact.
I had a IB on mine and I removed it. Mainly because it needs a damn good powder coat, so I might put it back on later.
IMO I think getting hit side on by anything other than another 7 would be pretty bad I'm afraid. I dare not think about what a Chelsea tractor would do, else I'd never go out in it.
I thought the IB was more about protection from another 7's wheel ingress in close racing. Getting hit by a full sized car, I think it would offer little or no protection.
They are useful to help you get in and out though :-)
IMO I think getting hit side on by anything other than another 7 would be pretty bad I'm afraid. I dare not think about what a Chelsea tractor would do, else I'd never go out in it.
I thought the IB was more about protection from another 7's wheel ingress in close racing. Getting hit by a full sized car, I think it would offer little or no protection.
They are useful to help you get in and out though :-)
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