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side air bags

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by jkash, Jan 23, 2004.

  1. jkash

    jkash Member

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    2004 Prius
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    Can someone give me to pros and cons to the side-impact air bags? I do most of my driving in city traffic.

    Thanks,

    Jeff
     
  2. tag

    tag Senior Member

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    Jeff,

    Here's a link to an IIHS article that I found interesting:


    http://www.hwysafety.org/news_releases/200...03/pr082603.htm


    Also interesting to note that in side impact tests conducted by the IIHS on small SUVs, the Ford Escape without side airbags got a "Poor" rating while the same model with side airbags was rated "Good".


    without
    [Broken External Image]:http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/side/photos/s0311_3_grabt.jpg

    with
    [Broken External Image]:http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/side/photos/s0310_3_grabt.jpg
     
  3. Jerry P

    Jerry P Member

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    2021 Prius
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    XLE AWD-e
    I think side air bags are a great thing to have, especially if you drive in the city where the chances of getting t-boned by some jerk running a stop sign or red light are much greater. My wife says she just feels so much safer knowing they are there. The picture I have seen of the bags deployed in the Prius show that the coverage is very good from front to back, so it should really protect you in a crash. A very worthwhile investment IMHO.