autoevolution
 

Ford Inflatable Seat Belts Earn the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award

Ford’s rear inflatable seat belts have received the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award from the New York International Auto Show’s World Traffic Safety Symposium, the company announced today. The system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat occupants.Rear inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts, including compatibility with infant and child safety and booster seats.

In the event of a frontal or side crash, the increased diameter of the inflated belt more effectively holds the occupant in the proper seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

The inflated belts help to distribute crash force energy across up to five times more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt. This expands its range of protection and reduces risk of injury by diffusing crash pressure over a larger area, while helping provide additional head and neck support.

Following deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through pores in the material.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear seat passengers of all ages, especially young children who might be more vulnerable in crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Rear inflatable seat belts – a Ford exclusive – help build on our safety leadership.”
 

Ford’s rear inflatable seat belts also stood out at the 2011 Edison Best New Product Award ceremony by receiving the gold medal in applied technology. The innovation has also received the title of Best New Technology from the same panel which awarded the title to the Edge, the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and presented to the auto maker at the Canadian International Auto Show.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories