Koons Ford

No, inflatable seatbelts are not meant to be used as floatation devices. That would be a good guess judging solely by the name. Actually they are designed to offer back seat passengers additional protection during a car crash.

The inspiration for Ford's inflatable seatbelts (which made their debut in the 2010 Explorer SUV) came from an existing safety device proven to protect front passengers: the airbag. Covered in super-soft webbing, the inflatable belts may also encourage more back-seat passengers to buckle up- or, at least that's the hope. Past studies have shown that backseat passengers are significantly less…

Press Release

    * Ford is offering a list of 10 New Year's safety resolutions and tips so you are ready to start 2011 right where you want to be - safe and in control in the driver's seat
    * Today's vehicles are filled with features and technologies to help keep you safer - knowing how to use them properly can make you a better driver
    * Some features can help minimize injuries in crashes while others can help you avoid dangerous situations all together. MIT researchers say reducing stress can help us all be better drivers

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 30, 2010 - New…

Ford is extremely passionate about their testing of automobiles before each model hits dealership lots. So passionate, in fact, that the auto maker crashed a total of 12,000 Ford Focus models - but not all were real.

Institute for Highway Safety crash-tested the new Focus more than 12,000 times in real and virtual worlds. Ford says its new Focus, which arrives early next year, "underwent crash simulations so realistic that that the number of physical vehicle crash tests has been significantly reduced."

"Developing the Focus to meet the global safety standards has resulted in improved crash performance to help…