Discuss while pointing to picture. Perhaps the most widely publicized issue concerning airbags involves rear-facing infant restraint seats. After several horrible accidents, the federal government began to investigate reasons for the unsafe positioning of these seats. At the present time, it is known that the inflating airbag may possibly suffocate a small child in such a seat because the head is so close to the bag. Another reaction might be throwing the child into the actual car seat with such pressure that serious injury could occur.
Strong warnings urge parents to place such seats in the back seat of vehicles with airbags.
There are, however, vehicles such as trucks that do not have a back seat. The alarming concern over children has prompted the federal government and the automobile industry to begin major adjustments in airbag technology. The future should provide airbags that can detect the presence of an infant seat or a child and automatically lower the inflation speed and pressure. The future of airbags could involve endless possibilities. Ford Motor Company is a leader in planning for airbag improvement.