http://cbs4denver.com/local/ford.inf...2.1717501.html


DENVER (CBS4) ―


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Ford Motor Company is the first carmaker to combine the protection of airbags with the safety of seat belts.

"They're safer for children, safer for elderly people," said Andy Sarkisian, Ford Manager of Safety Planning and Strategy.

Sarkisian is the expert Ford sent into Denver with its traveling exhibit called The Future of Safety. He explained inflatable seat belts are only available for back seat use because of current government regulations.

The device is activated by crash sensors. Compressed air moves through a specially-designed buckle to inflate the belt like a cylindrical pillow. Instead of slamming into a person like an airbag, the belt expands away from the person.

"It protects you in front injuries, it protects you in side injuries, it protects you in rollover injuries by holding you in the proper place," Sarkisian said.

Ford says inflatable seat belts will be offered later this year on the next model Explorer vehicle. It's an option priced at less than $300.

Surveys show nine out of 10 backseat passengers prefer to wear inflatable seat belts because they're more padded than traditional models. Ford says that's a good thing because people would be more likely to buckle up.