
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 31, 1990                   TAG: 9003310281
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A2   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DOUBLE AIR BAG COLLISION LIKELY FIRST OF ITS KIND

History records that the first auto accident in the United States occurred in New York City in 1896, when a car struck a bicyclist. Without intending to, Priscilla Vansteelant and Ronald E. Woody also have made automotive history: They had what is believed to be America's first crash involving two cars equipped with air bags.

The head-on crash demolished both cars, 1989 Chrysler LeBarons - yet the drivers literally walked away with minor injuries. Woody was not even wearing his seat belt.

The accident occurred March 12 on a dry two-lane road near Culpeper, Va. State police say Vansteelant's convertible veered from her lane.

Police say Woody was driving his coupe at 45 mph and Vansteelant at 35 mph when they collided.

- Newsday

by CNB