technology

Another World First - Ford Introduces Inflatable Rear Seatbelts For Production Cars

In another world first, the Ford motor company yesterday, 5 November 2009, announced the first ever production of inflatable seat belts, adding to the list of safety features the company has already implemented within their production v...ehicles.

The inflatable belts are designed to provide support and and additional protection for rear-seat occupants, and is a major leap forward in the ever advancing world of safety innovation.

The belts work in much the same way as an ordinary airbag - when the sensors detect an accident the gas filled cannistors quickly rleases cold gas into the belts, which then instantly transforms into something that readily resembles an airbag. The belt has been created to alleviate head, chest and neck injuries.

So, when can we expect to see this next generation safety feature, you ask? Well, very soon actually. The inflatable rear seat belts will feature part of the Ford's next generation Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle (or SUV), which goes into mass production next year. The company plans to eventually incorporate this new safety feature in all their vehicles globally.

When inflated, the seat belts cover five times more area on the human body during a crash, which spreads and reduces the impact forces a passenger would normally experience. This of course reduces the pressure on a passenger's chest, and also aids in controlling head and neck motion. What's more, of all the research participants used, over 90 percent were of the opinion that the belts were actually more comfortable than traditional safety belts.

In a crash situation, the belts wil inflate in 40 milliseconds.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering. “This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker.”

It seems Ford has made a conscious and clear decision to continue growing passenger safety and comfort, which is apparent in the rlease of safety systems this year alone, comprising the new radar-enabled Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning with Brake Support, and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) in the new 2010 Ford Taurus and Fusion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN5htEaRk4A&feature=player_embedded

http://www.ford.com/
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