Ford Introduces Inflatable Seat Belts to Enhance Passenger Safety

Ford Motor Company introduced the first-ever inflatable seat belts, designed to provide additional protection for passengers in the back seat. The seat belts debuted on the 2011 Ford Explorer.

“One of the things with a seat belt is, chest injuries, shoulder injuries, and head injuries,” said Palm Springs Motors general manager Scott Simmers. “By coming up with this new technology that we have with the inflatable seat belt, it minimizes the damage a seat belt may cause in an accident.”

When a collision occurs, the seat belt’s bag breaks through the belt fabric as it fills with air, expanding sideways across the passenger’s body. The bag also uses cold compressed gas instead of a heat-generating chemical reaction, typical of traditional airbag systems. Ford is the first manufacturer to use the technology. They currently charge extra for the seat belts, but they will soon come standard.

“This is going to catch fire in the industry, you’ll see it in lots of different makes and models,” said Simmers. “Obviously it’s going to be in a lot of our models as we start bringing out more and more new products.”

Ford is also working to make their cars more comfortable for their older customers and children. Their engineers utilize a “Third-Age Suit” which reduces physical capabilities. It makes the designer feel 30 years older, helping them understand the needs of their more mature customers.

“You know for our residents in the Coachella Valley, when they’re getting into the car, they want to make sure that car’s going to be safe for them,” said Simmers.

Some of the changes include easier entry into the car as well as user-friendly controls.