In a first for a European car, Ford Has announced that seatbelt airbags will be available as an option in the rear of the next generation Mondeo, writes Brian Byrne.
The airbags are fitted inside the seatbelts, and in an impact are inflated by a blast of special cold gas through the buckle.
The bags spread the restraining forces across a wider chest area, helping to minimise the chances of rib fractures.
It is also suitable for children using booster seats. Ford engineers also note that the system is particularly useful in protecting elderly people, whose rib cages are naturally less strong than when they were younger.
The system is already in use in the Ford Explorer in the US, where it was introduced as an option in 2010. The company says that 40 percent of buyers of the Explorer opted for the safety feature.
No price has yet been given for the option on the Mondeo, due to go on sale in 2013.
