regularly at a terrible exit off the Bronx River Parkway. I was first one on the scene in several of those times, held one guys head telling him to hang on till the ambulance came (the engine was next to him in the seat...) He didn't make it, I later learned.

Seat belts helped many times back in the day, WHEN people wore them, but many time not. Air bags are certainly a much better additional margin of protection.

I just sold my old car and got a newer (still used) car with all the current required safety equipment: front AND side curtain air bags, crumple zones, anti-lock brakes, steering overturn dampers, etc.

I thank God we survived driving back in those dark ages in those huge cars with hard dashboards, no seat belts...
Now I thank countless crash victims families for forcing the auto industry to improve cars for everyone, not just those who could afford to buy expensive models.

Safety features or not, PHYSICS is always the same: So please slow the f**k down people!