Patricia,

I have brought up 4 kids safely in VW Bus and 
Vanagon. I have seen many Vanagons after impacts 
and they actually hold up quite well. I would 
give not much credibility to people who put 
opinion before data. There is a video of a 
collision between a Volvo and a Vanagon where the Volvo suffers more.

Safety starts on the outside with maintenance and 
right choice of tires for the conditions. Driving style is also a big factor.

When it comes to interior safety I would 
definitely recommend 3 point belts wherever 
possible. Younger kids need booster seats or 
adapters to ensure that the seat belt is in the 
right position. Some booster seats work well on 2 
point belts and others need a restraint at the 
top which can be mounted into the bench. There is 
quite a variety of models and gadgets. I tend to 
value simplicity and ease of use. I also found 
that teaching children - and reminding them - of 
the right position of seat belts is important. 
Hip belts have to hold the hips and not the belly.

One concern would be the lack of headrests on the 
rear bench. I have attached headrests on the 
bench. It is requires another step before you 
fold the bench down, but the safety aspect in 
case of rear impact was worth it to me.

Heavy or hard loose items in the car can be a 
hazard. This is important when you pack things in 
the rear compartment. Sudden braking or impact can turn things into missiles.

Safety is also an issue when you are camping. A 
fire extinguisher is a good investment and not 
forgetting to turn of the propane is another 
example of safety as an overall attitude.

Cheers,

Bj�rn

At 03:31 PM 07/11/2006, PDL wrote:
>Hello List,
>   We have an all-original 1988 Westy and would 
> like to make it safer for our two young 
> children (6 and 11).  We've read Go Westy's 
> commentaries and the rather snarky remarks in 
> the old Car Talk post 
> (http://www.cartalk.com/content/columns/Archive/1997/July/12.html).
>
>   I realize when many of us were growing up, 
> the cultural mindset was different and that 
> this is a 1988 vehicle in 2006. Having said 
> that, would upgrading to 3-point belts on the 
> bench seat be the best step to take?  How do 
> others feel about overall kid safety in the Vanagon?
>
>   Thanks,
>   Patricia
>
>
>www.santafejournal.blogspot.com
>
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Bj�rn Ratjen, Ph.D.
Cobble Hill, B.C.
phone/fax (250) 743-7575