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Breaking news: Ford technology breakthrough: inflatable seatbelts for rear seat passengers

Ford technology breakthrough: rear seat inflatable seatbelts
Ford technology breakthrough: rear seat inflatable seatbelts
Photo credit: 
Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company today introduced the world's first inflatable seat belts for cars.  This technology breakthrough combines the best features of traditional seat belts and air bags, for an extra added level of crash safety protection. 

The inflatable seat belts are for the rear seats.  Since children ride in rear seats, this is a family-friendly safety development.

The inflatable seatbelts will help reduce head, neck and chest injuries.  The first model to get the inflatable rear seat belts will be the next-generation Ford Explorer.  Ford plans to offer the inflatable seatbelts in additional models over the next few years.

Here's how Ford describes the inflatable seatbelts:

In everyday use, the inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts and are safe and compatible with infant and children safety car and booster seats. In Ford’s research, more than 90 percent of those who tested the inflatable seat belts found them to be similar to or more comfortable than a conventional belt because they feel padded and softer. That comfort factor could help improve the 61 percent rear belt usage rate in the U.S., which compares to 82 percent usage by front seat passengers, according National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

Recent Green Car Examiner articles on Ford technology:

Ford wins more 2010 best car awards than any manufacturer, domestic or import

2010 Ford Taurus receives top safety award

Ford retrofits truck factory to produce small, fuel efficient cars

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, Green Car Examiner

Veteran journalist Evelyn Kanter has more than 20 years experience reporting about cars, travel and the environment. An award-winning investigative consumer reporter she's also been known to put on a helmet to roar around a racetrack at warp speed. E-mail her with your comments and questions.

Comments

  • benderandbender 2 years ago

    And this is "Green"

    How?

  • Evelyn Kanter 2 years ago

    It has the potential of saving the green in your wallet that you pay for medical bills, medical insurance bills and auto insurance bills.

    Seriously, safety and value is an intrinsic part of everything I write on these pages.

    Thanks for your comment and your interest.

  • benderandbender 2 years ago

    You know what? After reading other examiners in transportation I came to a conclusion on your explanation.
    Rubbish.
    “Seriously, safety and value is an intrinsic part of everything I write on these pages.”
    Uh, and that has what to do with your title? Why not be the “Value and Safety Examiner” instead?
    I was thinking about writing for the examiner as I work for a company that makes brushless electric motors, and that IS green. Consequently, after seeing example after example of examiners scooping others for a lousy few cents, you can have the green section all to yourself.

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