Ford's plan for 2011: air bags in seat belts
November 6, 2009
DETROIT -- Air bags long have been mounted in the steering wheel, dashboard and sides of vehicles. Soon, they'll be in the seat belts.
Ford Motor Co. plans to introduce seat belt-mounted air bags in the back seat of the 2011 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, which will hit the market next fall. Ford says it's the first automaker to mass produce the technology.
The belts have a cylindrical air bag that stretches from the buckle to the shoulder and fits inside a pocket sewn into the belt. The car sends a signal that releases the bag, which inflates more gently than a front air bag, so it's safer for children. AP