Ford is claiming an industry-first innovation with its new inflatable rear seatbelts, which it says are ready to come to market. Set to debut on the next-generation Ford Explorer, the seatbelts are designed to reduce pressure on the chest of rear seat passengers, as well as better control head and neck motion in the event of an accident.
The inflatable belts are engineered to function just like conventional seatbelts, but in the event of a frontal or side crash, Ford claims they do a better job of holding occupants in place, reducing the risk of injury. Just like an airbag, upon detecting that an accident is occurring, the belts are instantaneously inflated with cold compressed gas, that flows through the buckle from a cylinder beneath the seat. The airbag is housed within the conventional belt fabric, breaking through the fabric as it inflates. Ford says the time it takes the belts to inflate is roughly equivalent to the time it takes a vehicle to cover one yard of distance at typical highway speeds."Ford's rear inflatable seatbelt 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, Envronmental and Safety Engineering. "This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker."What do you think about Fords new inflatable safety belts? Do they appear to be a valid safety item, or just a short-lived gimmick? Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: Ford