The last time that seatbelts saw a major innovation was in 1959, when the three-point system that we still use today was introduced. Since then it's pretty much been the same game when it comes to seatbelts for all automakers... until now, that is.

An optional safety feature in the in Ford Explorer includes seatbelts that actually inflate upon sensing an impact in order to provide the occupant with additional coverage and protection. This new innovation in the realm of safety has the potential to revolutionize the way that all automakers implement seatbelts into their vehicles, and as such, Popular Mechanics honored it in their 2011 Breakthrough Awards, which is something that doesn't necessarily shock anyone here at Elk Grove Ford, but we are excited no less.

Srini Sundararajan, Safety Technical Leader, Ford Research and Innovation, accepted the award on behalf of his team, saying, "[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

How do the American automaker's new seatbelts inflate? When an impact is detected, compressed gas is released into a concealed airbag that breaks through the fabric of the belt. Another benefit of this new seatbelt system is that occupants have also reported that it's actually more comfortable to wear than regular seatbelts, decreasing the chances that younger drivers will fasten it incorrectly or not wear it at all.

You can check out the new inflatable seatbelts for yourself in the Ford Explorer for yourself by arranging a test drive at 9645 Auto Center Drive Elk Grove, CA 95757 today by contacting us online or by phone at (888) 450-8331. We can also answer any questions you may have about other new Ford models like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford Taurus, or Ford F-150; how to easily finance or lease them; and how you can ensure they run like new for years down the road through our dedicated Ford parts and service departments.

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