Auto Suicide Doors – the name sounds dramatic and immediately sparks curiosity. But what exactly is behind this term? In this article, we delve deep into the history, functionality, and safety aspects of this special door design, and explore why it is now a rarity in automotive engineering.
What are Auto Suicide Doors?
Auto Suicide Doors, also known as rear-hinged doors or coach doors, are doors that are hinged at the rear of the door frame. Unlike conventional doors that open towards the front of the vehicle, these doors swing open towards the rear. This unconventional opening mechanism gave them their somewhat macabre name.
The History of Auto Suicide Doors
In the early days of automotive manufacturing, auto suicide doors were commonplace. In an era without seat belts and with lower speeds, they offered easier entry and exit. Imagine an elegant automobile from the 1920s – the gentleman in a suit and the lady in a long dress could comfortably take their seats. However, with increasing speeds and the advent of seat belts, the dangers of this door design became apparent.
Classic car with suicide doors, showcasing easy entry and exit.
The Dangers of Suicide Doors
The name “suicide doors” is not without reason. In an accident or sudden opening while driving, the wind could rip the doors open and throw occupants out of the vehicle. A life-threatening scenario! Dr. Franz Müller, an expert in vehicle safety, describes the risks of this door design in detail in his book “Automotive Safety Engineering” and emphasizes the importance of modern safety standards.
Modern Interpretations of Auto Suicide Doors
Despite safety concerns, auto suicide doors are experiencing a small comeback in modern vehicles – but with crucial safety improvements. Electronic locks and additional safety mechanisms prevent unintentional opening while driving. Rolls-Royce, synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, integrates auto suicide doors into some of its models to emphasize elegant entry.
Advantages of Auto Suicide Doors in Modern Vehicles
In addition to stylish entry, modern auto suicide doors also offer practical advantages. They facilitate access to the rear seats and improve visibility when parking. Especially for families with children or older people, this can be a major plus.
Auto Suicide Doors – A Look into the Future
Whether auto suicide doors will become more prevalent in automotive engineering in the future remains to be seen. However, it is certain that safety aspects must remain at the forefront.
Questions and Answers about Auto Suicide Doors
- Are auto suicide doors legal? Yes, provided they meet applicable safety standards.
- Which car models have auto suicide doors? In addition to Rolls-Royce, there were also models from Lincoln, Opel, and Mazda with this door design.
Related Topics
- Vehicle Safety
- Automotive History
- Car Door Technologies
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Auto Suicide Doors – Conclusion
Auto suicide doors are a fascinating chapter in automotive history. Although they were associated with safety risks in the past, modern interpretations with advanced safety technologies offer an exciting alternative to conventional door designs. The future will show whether this trend continues to prevail.
