ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
Speed
20 mph
Severity
Deaths
0
Injured
0
Fire
No
Crash
Yes
Police report
Yes
Medical attention
No
Vehicle towed
No
Narrative
THIS IS INTERROGATIVE. MY WIFE JOINED AN ACCIDENT IN PROGRESS (NO. 3 OF 3 VEHICLES) BECASUE SHE COULDN'T STOP IN TIME. SHE WAS AT 35 MPH STEADY, SAID SHE HAD APPLIED FULL BRAKING. THE NYER WAS PITCHED DOWN WHEN IT CONTACTED THE BUMPER OF A S-10 PICKUP TRUCK. WE HAVE SHEET METAL DAMAGE TO THE HOOD, LEFT FENDER AND EVERYTHING ABOVE THE BUMPER LINE, INCLUDING AC COIL, RADIATOR, FAN, ETC. SHE WAS UNINJURED. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE SYSTEM CHECK AT ENGINE START HAS ALWAYS BEEN EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN THE OPERATOR'S HANDBOOK. MY QUESTION IS, SHOULDN'T THE AIRBAGS HAVE DEPLOYED? IF THEY SHOULD HAVE, WHY DIDN'T THEY AND HOW DO I INSURE THE SYSTEM IS OPERATIONAL BEFORE I RETURN THE CAR TO SERVICE?