Tags 'n" Bags One This Day Dec 6 306s
We cover TWO things that happened on this day, December 6
In today’s No Driving Glove’s short we'll talk about two key automotive moments That happened today December 6. Before 1955, U.S. license plates had many sizes, shapes, and designs. This made it hard for police to identify cars and for auto manufacturers to design vehicles with proper license plate placement. So on December 6th, 1955, the U.S. set rules to standardize license plate shapes and sizes. All plates became 6 by 12 inches with mounting holes spaced 7 inches apart. This made it easier for police to track cars and brought order to the roads. However it saw the demise of license plates shaped like their respective state.
Jumping ahead 19 years and landing in 1974. After showcasing the Air Cushion Restraint System in 1973, On this day, in 1974, GM started installing the Air Cushion Restraint System in Buicks, Cadillacs, and Oldsmobiles. GM's system even featured a two-stage deployment for minor and major impacts. In 1974, it was a $225 (about 1200 2023 dollars) option for Cadillac. However, citing lack of interest, GM discontinued the Air Cushion Restraint System option in 1977.
In 1981, Mercedes-Benz reintroduced airbags on its W126 S-Class sedan (think 560SEL for those not chassis number proficient, cause I had to look it up too). In 1987, the Porsche 944 Turbo became the first car with driver and passenger side airbags as standard equipment. Chrysler joined the airbag ranks in 1988 when it made driver side airbags standard in six of its vehicles.
The first known accident between two airbag-equipped vehicles happened in 1990 between two Chrysler LeBarons. The cars were wrecked, but the drivers only had minor injuries. As of September 1st, 1998, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 went into full effect and required that all cars and light trucks sold in the United States have airbags on both sides of the front seat.
While airbags have saved many lives, they can also cause fatalities if not used correctly, like not wearing seatbelts. We will cover the 67 millionTakata airbag recall on a future episode of No Driving Gloves.
As car technology grows and changes, it's important to remember key moments that impacted driving. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend to spread the word about No Driving Gloves. Find all episodes, long and short, at NoDrivingGloves.com.
Now, let's stop talking about rules and police. Get off your ass, burn some gas, cause John is OUT!
Listen On
