Ford is known for innovating and building their own technologies, often times without recognition. This time, however, Popular Mechanics has recognized Ford's rear safety belts as a product that "will make the world smarter, safer and more efficient in the years to come?setting benchmarks in design and engineering today."¹

The inflatable rear seatbelts were originally put into the 2011 Ford Explorer, and now Ford is hoping to get them into more of their models.

Ford's overall goal with the inflatable seatbelt was to increase safety and comfort for some of a vehicle's most vulnerable passengers. In case of an accident, compressed gas is released into the belt, inflating a built-in airbag, and providing more than five times the support of a regular seatbelt. This new belt reduces strain to the neck, chest and head - injuries that can be the most dangerous to children and the elderly.

Ford, and several other recipients of the Popular Mechanics award were honored in New York City in early October. Srini Sundararajan, the Safety Technical Leader, Ford Research and Innovation said when accepting the award, "[Our] goal is to develop safety technologies that give our customers peace of mind?I thank Popular Mechanics for recognizing the contributions of a number of dedicated engineers at Ford."¹

While we wait for the safety belts to be further integrated into other Ford models, come down to Chuck Stevens Ford on 1304 HWY 31 South in Bay Minette, AL 36507 and check out all the award winning Ford models.

Source:^1,2http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=35419