Update: Wes Sherwood of Ford Safety PR has left answers to my questions in the first comment. Thanks Wes!
Ford unveiled a new inflatable rear seatbelt design today. (There's a neat video here.)
This looks like a pretty good idea, but I do have some questions. If any Ford safety or PR people are reading, please chime in.
- What happens if you use one of these belts to anchor an infant seat, using the belt instead of LATCH anchors? Will the expanding baloon damage the infant seat?
- Why not use these on the front, too? Seems like front passengers could benefit as well.
- Will they trigger in a minor accident? Can they be repaired, or will they be expensive to replace, like airbags?
- Will accessories such as seatbelt positioners, or fuzzy seat belt covers defeat or interfere with the balloon?
