Re: Convertible Safety in Driving Schools

[bolhuijo@xxxxxxxxxxxx]

On Fri, 18 Dec 1998, Miller, Jerry wrote:

> So I bought my 88 325iC, loved driving my first BMW, started hearing how
> much fun driving schools were, and got an application for an upcoming event
> in California.  Then I see that convertibles need: 1)five-point seatbelts,
> 2) fixed rollbars, 3) arm-restraints  -- be in a driving school.  Suddenly
> it ain't just $300 for the school.  I need more equipment.  
> 
> Anybody know how much?  $1000-1500 for this stuff?  Any way around these
> requirements for driving schools, do they all have this requirement?  Do
> cars turn over at these schools?  I really didn't  intend to turn the
> machine over -- nor did I think there was a large risk of doing so with an
> instructor around.  By the way, does the right hand seat need the five point
> seatbelt and the arm restraints?  (What the heck ARE arm restraints?)

 Try 4 or 5k for an older hardtop BMW that you can use for an "event" 
car.  Try for one with faded paint and door dings - they're cheaper. 
>From what I know about driving schools, you ain't goin' out there
without an instructor, and (s)he doesn't have to get in any car that
(s)he doesn't want to.  No, there's not a large risk of a rollover,
but it's there.  There isn't a large risk of me running into something
either, but I wear my seatbelt anyway.
 Arm restraints, btw, keep your arms inside the car so they don't get
crushed when you flip, flop, and fly.  They also probably prevent your
instructor from choking you.  Or maybe not. :)
 Use your convertible like it was meant - for enjoying open-air
cruising in style.  I doubt you'd want to mess it up with a roll cage. 

- --
  John Bolhuis  | Since announcing concubine auditions in April,
 bolhuijo       | I have received not a single reply. Foolish females!
  @domain.elided | Do you not realize that I am one of the richest and
                | most powerful men in the Republic?  -T. Herman Zweibel

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