Today, vehicles are made with crumples zones, areas of the vehicle designed to absorb forces that would otherwise migrate toward passenger compartments. Roll-bar structures in the roof and protective beams in the doors keep the vehicles from crumpling during major accidents. Seatbelts were invented to restrain the body from ejecting and make the impact of interior body-flinging less severe. In the mid 70s, the first airbags appeared in vehicles as an optional accessory. But wait, the safety option still contributes to the digital divide.
Many cars offer side impact airbags at extra cost.
Manufacturers put a price on the safety of car buyers and their families. Some people think side airbags are a necessity and pay the extra money for them. The divide widens, because some drivers are safer than others. During the 50s, Motorola became the leader in supplying radios to Ford Motor Company, Chrysler Corporation, and American Motors. In 1965, Motorola introduced the 8-track player for automobiles.