Ford has taken safety for rear seat passengers to a whole new level with the introduction of inflatable safety belts for rear outboard seats. How do these belts work? In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflated belt is designed to deploy in less than the blink of an eye. Its unique design helps distribute crash force energy across more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt, which helps reduce the risk of injury while providing support for the head and neck. After deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through the pores
in the airbag. Inflatable safety belts are compatible with child safety seats.

Inflatable belts are not as large as traditional front airbags, so they can fill at a lower pressure and at a slower rate. Ford research showed that more than 90 percent of people who tested the inflatable safety belts found them to be similar or more comfortable than a conventional belt because the belts feel padded and softer.