Since seatbelts became the norm in cars about 30 years ago, not much has changed in how they work or are deployed. Seeing how safety-crazy everyone gets once they pop out a kid or two, one would think that way before collision-anticipating cars were developed someone would update the old, neglected seat belt, at least in minivans. Well, Ford has finally decided to put some innovations into the simple device, changing how it fits over the torso and sticking some airbags inside. Moving the buckle to the center, the new belts are four-point harnesses similar to the ones in racecars. When you aren't paying attention and rear-end someone in the grocery store parking lot, the seam will tear in the belt itself and a cylindrical airbag will burst out to more evenly distribute the force of the crash across your entire torso. Having the buckle in the center only creates problems for pregnant women and fatties, but never fear; Ford is hard at work on special latches for those folks. These belts are still a ways off, but it's about time someone upgraded the most basic of auto safety mechanisms.
— Adam Frucci

Detroit News, Via Engadget