Intresting debate this. Just like to add that the column is far safer than is though due to the way the steering wheel is mounted, the angle of the column and the weakness of the joint at the bottem the worse that will happen is that you get a steering wheel in the face (although this could still cause death) but it's not going to stick through your chest. Just like to also add that yes Minis are not safest thing on the road, this is from some one who works in a Mini garage for a family businness that has been going for over 27 years. We know the dangers but we also know why and 99% of the time it is driver error. My daily driver is a Skoda Felicia pickup, it has a nice air bag and abs, I have a 1996 Mini Cooper with an air bag with better brakes than the skoda and a 1963 Mini van tht runs on drums and will hit a ton if needs be. They all have there time and place and I think thats the big thing that everyone needs to remember. Oh and chicks dig Minis