Ford Motor Company will introduce the motor industry’s first inflatable seat belts in 2010, designed to provide better protection for back-seat passengers.
The belts will make their debut on the US best-selling Ford Explorer and spread the force of a crash over an area five times bigger than conventional seat belts. This helps to reduce head, neck and chest injuries by easing pressure and reducing movement in the event of an impact.
In research carried out by Ford, 90 percent of respondents also said the inflatable seat belts were more comfortable than traditional belts –- a factor that could help to increase rear seat belt usage. The company plans to extend inflatable seat belt technology to its vehicles around the world.
