New developments in pedestrian and bicyclist safety are top of mind for airbag designers and vehicle makers today. Now, concerns for those outside the vehicle are proving just as important as those riding inside cars. Car makers like Toyota and Ford, working together with Autoliv and Bosch (among others) have designed and begun testing airbags to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.
Automakers are literally thinking outside the box to keep vehicle related injuries down and help reduce the costs of accident claims.
"The system, designed by Autoliv Inc, uses an airbag mounted in the A-Pillar of the car. When a front end impact is detected, the airbag inflates covering most of the bonnet and screen (windshield).
As part of the development into benefits for not only bikers but cyclists too, the Dutch Cycling Federation has said that over 60 lives could be saved and over 1500 serious injuries could be avoided every year by using these airbags in Holland.
Autoliv Inc said there is no news yet on price or availability yet, but that the system should be available for final testing in the near future."
(article by Visordown News)
...and, airbags are not just for cars anymore. Check out these new releases from Honda and Dianese for their new airbag protection on motorcycles.