Paul Nelson wrote:
>...my VERY safety minded wife wants to know the
>likelyhood of a Spitfire exploding when rear ended. Given the location
>of the fuel tank. She doesn't want want the kids(who really want to
>take a ride)at ANY risk. I don't either, but I told her she was being
>over protective and not to worry.
> Does she have any just cause(besides being a woman)to be concerned
> about this?
> Thanks,Paul Nelson
> 76 Spitfire
Paul, Tell your wife not to worry. Fire, for all practical purposes, is
not a factor in automobile crashes (there is no such thing as an 'accident'
- prevention works). In all traffic crashes combined, fire occurs in only
1/2 of 1% of the cases - she is safe 99.5% of the time from ANY fire
breaking out. Also, the placement of the tank, above the axle, and ahead of
the trunk offers good protection. The trunk provides a 'crush zone' (alibet
small) from a rear impact, and the axle can 'limit' side intrusion in a side
impact. Best protection is a safety belt which can help keep you from
getting knocked out in the event of a crash. Simply remove it and exit the
vehicle once it comes to a complete stop (watch for traffic - hate surviving
a crash just to get hit by the next car past).
Mark
74 Sptit, 70 Midget, 60 Bugeye, 76 TR7, 77 TR7(parts)
Program Coordinator
Office of Highway Safety Planning
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