Brimming with child-restraint options. Simply kidding.
![Favorite Car Ads: 1956 Nash](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-21-164910-1024x567.png)
Should you’re my age, you giggle a bit each time you learn or watch one thing about little one security, at the least little one security because it pertains to automobile journey. I used to be born in 1965, and in regards to the closest my dad and mom ever got here to worrying about my nicely being within the automobile was not permitting me to open a door whereas the automobile was in movement. Enjoyable truth: I did, actually open the automobile door a number of instances whereas the was in movement. This was again when spanking was nonetheless a factor. Good instances.
Per the Nationwide Institute of Well being—which sounds pretend, however isn’t—it wasn’t till 1986 that every one 50 states had little one security seat legal guidelines on the books. And whereas I applaud the transfer from a toddler wellbeing perspective, I morn the passing of youngsters free roaming within the automobile, crawling up on—and resting on—the rear parcel shelf, and wrestling with siblings within the rear-seat footwells.
This brings us to the fantastic 1956 Nash print advert seen right here. Whereas the advert talks a superb sport about security, it’s price noting that there isn’t a seatbelt in sight. That stated, seat belts have been nonetheless optionally available on vehicles on the time, if supplied in any respect.
![1956 Nash Ad, World's Finest Travel Car](https://blog.consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/f58dc7f5f852f57ed80b173c37bddb16.jpg)
Basic Automobile Advertisements: Chevrolet Monte Carlo
However, it’s the reclining-seat mattress function that’s most amusing. Seen within the advert is a pair of youngsters, apparently tuckered from a busy day trip, sleeping comfortably on the Nash’s patented folding mattress. And, not solely are mother and pop unbuckled, the youngsters are additionally unrestrained. And, earlier than any security stickler will get too up in arms about this association, take notice: Nobody who learn this advert in 1956 thought that something was incorrect right here.
And take coronary heart, Nash took particular care of rear-seat passengers with a particular suspension designed to cut back “back-seat bounce,” which appears fairly thoughtful of the carmaker.
Per the advert, there are different Nash options that helped insure long-trip consolation, together with low-cost air-con, and the “Double Security” welded body.
It might appear odd to look again on this advert and surprise how dad and mom and carmakers may presumably have allowed youngsters to journey so recklessly. However, in fact, in-car little one restraints have been merely one thing the customers had not but gotten round to worrying about. The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security is now investigating rear-seat-passenger crash security, and one attainable end result of the analysis will be the implementation of ceiling airbags. Such installations may convey the variety of airbags in a given automobile to 10—extra in some circumstances—which is a fairly lengthy journey from letting the little rascals sleep unrestrained throughout two seating rows. That’s progress.
Hearken to the Client Information Automobile Stuff Podcast
1956 Nash Gallery
(Click on under for enlarged photographs)
Automobile Security for Children, Fifties Model: Put ’Em in a Harness and Give ’Em a Gun!