Lifeguard (automobile safety) explained

Lifeguard was the name of a 1956 safety package marketed by the Ford Motor Company.

Spurred by Robert McNamara, the Cornell University crash research program and the first year of Ford's own crash testing in 1955, the Lifeguard package included:

• Three standard features:
  • A safety "deep-center" steering wheel^[1] with spokes that would flex.^{[2] [3]}
  • Safety "double-grip" door latches to prevent occupant ejection in case of a crash.
  • A safety rearview mirror to reduce broken glass if shattered.^[4]
• Two optional features:
  • Front and rear ^[5] lap only seat belts, first offered by Ford in 1955.^[6]
  • Padded dashboard and sun visors. The padding was advertised as being more absorbent than foam rubber.^[7] The instruments were recessed to minimize injury potential.

According to some, the buying public was unresponsive to the Lifeguard package, prompting Henry Ford II to say: McNamara is selling safety, but Chevrolet is selling cars. However, Ralph Nader and Joan Claybrook dispute this, claiming that the package was extremely popular.^[8]

1957 update

1. Book: Flory, Jr., J. "Kelly". American Cars, 1946-1959 Every Model Every Year. 2008. McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. 978-0-7864-3229-5.
2. Web site: Directory Index: Ford/1956 Ford/1956_Ford_Fairlane_Brochure.
3. Web site: 1956 Mercury Advanced Safety-03 . oldcarbrochures.org . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195040/http://oldcarbrochures.org/index.php/New-Brochures---March/1956-Mercury-Advanced-Safety-Brochure/1956-Mercury-Advanced-Safety-03 . 2017-03-28.
4. Book: Full-size Fords. 9781934709085. Temple. David W.. 2010. CarTech .
5. Web site: Ford brochure: NEW FORD SEAT BELTS an important feature of Ford Lifeguard Design . 2008-04-15 . 2016-03-03 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203825/http://www.mclellansautomotive.com/photos/B30628.jpg . dead .
6. Web site: 1956 Crown Victoria - 1955-1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria - HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks. 4 September 2007.
7. Book: Popular Mechanics. October 1955. Hearst Magazines.
8. YouTube.

In 1957, Ford updated the Lifeguard safety package with a new frame that bowed out to completely enclose the passengers,^[9] rear child-proof door locks,^[10] a front hinged hood to protect against the hood flying up in the wind, and recessed knobs.^[11]

Sources

• 1956 Crown Victoria
• The Outsider. How Robert McNamara changed the automobile industry
• Lifeguard Design, original publicity shots