I have a good buddy who is a safety engineer at Nissan in their SO CA headquarters.

Newer cars:
Air bags are "supplemental restraint" not primary restraint. Any collision over 40 mph, they are worthless. Collisions under 10mph and they create added $$ to repair. Between those two points, they are wonderful.

ABS: Significant safety increase and shorter stopping distance.

All the major manufacturers are designing in crumple zones like MB did years ago.

My last 300D: I ran into a flat bed diesel carrying Corian. I hit the right front wheel dead on. He drove off, my car was totaled including front frame damage immediately behind the "frame horns". I think the crumble zone helped. I did skid and I hit the truck at probably 15 to 18mph. Bruise on my shoulder.

Tow truck driver said based on the damage and skid marks most new cars air bag would have deployed.

I agree with DMorrison, I probably should go out and practice some preventative braking. Had I had ABS, I probably would not have had a total on my hands.

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84 300DT Puke Yellow. Totalled after 438,000
84 300DT Orient Red. 169,000 (actual mileage may vary)
2002 Explorer EB (wife's)