Ford launches inflatable belts

Ford Motor Company has designed an inflatable seat belt to keep passengers in the back seat safe.

The new seat belt operates like an inflatable airbag and comes open upon impact.

During a crash the belt itself inflates and acts like a life preserver.

Trauma surgeon Dr. Stewart Wang of the University of Michigan is also a crash investigator, and he believes Ford is really onto to something here.

"The kids swing and hit the door on the right side, and since this is an outboard bag, this has the potential to keep the head from striking the door," he explained.

It's also meant to help seniors who are equally as frail as kids, especially in the chest area.

Ford plans to have the new inflatable seat belt available next year with its Explorer models and then spread it across the vehicle line in the years to come.

For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our websitewww.whec.com.

MORE FROM WHEC-TV

WHEC-TV Section Front

I-Team 10 Update: Gates town supervisor says Schumer's office unresponsive in pleas for help over flood maps New York State could owe you money Clyde woman dies in Wayne County crash with tractor trailer CDC: Swine flu less widespread, down to 32 states Woods withdraws from tourney Another Robutrad worker pleads guilty Rochester native and family die in CA crash as car runs red light '12 Days of Christmas' items' cost would top $87K Rise in traffic for New York canal system Rochester teen arrested for two ATM robberies WHEC-TV Section Front   Add WHEC-TV headlines to your news reader: