Risk assessment

Car companies push crash-test ratings and safety features in ads because they think safety sells. But they might be better off promoting gadgets report CNN.

According to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, the highest ranked safety feature, anti-lock brakes, came in fourth in desirability after air-conditioning, a radio and a CD player.

That next most popular safety feature, side airbags, came in 11th. It ranked lower than a full-sized spare tire, cruise control and power mirrors.

Quelle fucking suprise. Anybody who's ever had a decent cruise control system knows that it's bloke nirvana - a tricked out gadget that helps laziness. Home run! And you'll really miss it when you change to a car without it. Same rules apply to climate control and a bitchin' stereo. You enjoy the benefits every single time you drive.

The survey points out the variable quality between different side airbag systems, but hey - you'll never know until it's way too late.

The trade-off between cruise control and airbags is like asking whether you'd like a free blowjob every day or a parachute.

Conceivably there'll come a day when you regret the decision but it seems unlikely right now.