The Ford Barn

dan · 09-11-2024, 10:14 AM

I had a (mostly) all-original coupe that I drove to work three days a week, 17-mile round trip, in California Bay Area traffic. Admittedly on surface streets and "expressways" not actual highways. Sure, some days it was "interesting" but I never worried too much. It's no different than riding a motorcycle--drive defensively, politely, and never assume.

There's nothing you can do to a Model A that's going to make it "safe" if it gets T-boned by a modern car going 40mph. Nor are you going to be able to out-stop a modern car sports car that cuts you off and slams on its ABS. No amount of new lighting is going to prevent someone who's texting and driving from rear-ending you.

Every owner will need to make their own assessment of the risks they're willing to take. Personally, I'm so used to seat belts now that it's uncomfortable not to wear one... twelve-year-old me would never believe that day would come. And I can't recall the last time I saw a car with non-safety glass-though I suppose they're out there.

My advice: maintain your car and drive the heck out of it.

09-11-2024, 10:14 AM	#18
dan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: McPherson, KS Posts: 219	Re: All Original Is Unsafe I had a (mostly) all-original coupe that I drove to work three days a week, 17-mile round trip, in California Bay Area traffic. Admittedly on surface streets and "expressways" not actual highways. Sure, some days it was "interesting" but I never worried too much. It's no different than riding a motorcycle--drive defensively, politely, and never assume. There's nothing you can do to a Model A that's going to make it "safe" if it gets T-boned by a modern car going 40mph. Nor are you going to be able to out-stop a modern car sports car that cuts you off and slams on its ABS. No amount of new lighting is going to prevent someone who's texting and driving from rear-ending you. Every owner will need to make their own assessment of the risks they're willing to take. Personally, I'm so used to seat belts now that it's uncomfortable not to wear one... twelve-year-old me would never believe that day would come. And I can't recall the last time I saw a car with non-safety glass-though I suppose they're out there. My advice: maintain your car and drive the heck out of it.