# Inflatable Seat Belts Ford Merges Air Bags and Seat Belts for Extra Crash Protection By Katherinev123 | Published 2009-11-06 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-seat-belts References: [gizmodiva](http://www.gizmodiva.com/wheels/worlds_first_inflatable_seat_belts_are_here_by_ford.php) & [carscoop.blogspot](http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/11/ford-presents-world-first-automotive.html) [Ford](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truckle) has developed the world’s first inflatable seat belts, which provide extra safety and crash protection for people sitting in the rear of a vehicle. The inflatable seatbelts combine the attributes of traditional seat belts and [air bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-airbag-platform) to better hold you in place in the event of a car accident. According to Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering, the inflatable seat belts “will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes.” Watch the video to see how the inflatable seatbelts work! ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Inflatable Safety Features:** The trend towards inflatable safety features presents opportunities for automakers and safety equipment manufacturers to collaborate and innovate. - **Integrated Safety Systems:** Integrating multiple safety systems, such as air bags and seat belts, provides disruptive innovation opportunities for the automotive industry. - **Improving Rear-seat Safety:** A focus on improving safety for rear-seat passengers presents opportunities for automakers to differentiate themselves and cater to safety-conscious customers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Automotive:** The automotive industry can capitalize on the trend towards inflatable safety features by developing and implementing innovative safety technologies. - **Safety Equipment Manufacturing:** Safety equipment manufacturers can collaborate with automakers to integrate multiple safety systems and improve overall vehicle safety. - **Child Safety:** Companies focused on child safety, such as car seat manufacturers, can partner with automakers to create safer vehicles for families with young children. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Airbag-Integrated Bicycle Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbag-bicycle-helmet.md) - [Safety-Precaution Wearable Airbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ydb-airbag.md) - [Vehicular Child Safety Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/child-safety-system.md) - [Airbag-Deploying Travel Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stan-airbag.md) - [Inflatable Infant Carriers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-baby-carrier.md) - [Self-Inflating Bicycle Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bumpair-20.md) - [Protective Airbag Jeans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mocycle.md) - [Airbag Cyclist Safety Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerobag-system.md) - [Smart Airbag Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-airbag-platform.md)