This paper presents an overview of Ford's experience with "passive restraint" systems. It seeks to update the conference as to the available field experience with passive restraint systems being installed in Ford Motor Company vehicles. The present United States occupant crash protection standard requires a phase-in of passive restraints. Passive restraint can be automatic belts or air bags. An overview will be presented of Ford's passive belt and supplemental driver and passenger air bag experience, including: (1) The decision making process - supplemental air bag vs. motorized automatic belts vs. manual automatic belts; (2) air bag and passive belt system overview; (3) the effects of mandatory use laws on passive restraint decisions; (4) passive restraint system field experience; and (5) the continental passenger side supplemental air bag. (A) For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 837684.
Samenvatting