In an effort to completely shield all passengers from any contact with hard objects during a collision, Toyota has unveiled the first center-mounted rear seat airbag.
The innovative new airbag will, "come in a Toyota model to be launched in Japan in the near future," according to the press release. Mounted in what looks like a sizable fixed console, Toyota says the airbag is designed to help, "lessen injuries caused by passengers colliding with each other or into the console." Wouldn't getting rid of the console also reduce...oh forget it.
Also of note are Toyota's future traffic safety initiatives, one of which strives for the "complete elimination of traffic casualties, which can be viewed as the ultimate hope of a society that values mobility." Dare to dream Toyota, dare to dream.
rick8365 says:
08:54 AM, 03/11/09
Smart.
proscriptus says:
10:54 AM, 03/11/09
They should have spent some time developing pants.
atenza94546 says:
11:02 AM, 03/11/09
Americans auto makers will focus on the pants instead of safety.
atenza94546 says:
11:03 AM, 03/11/09
Americans auto makers will focus on the pants instead of safety.
altimadude00 says:
11:17 AM, 03/11/09
What happens if a passenger is out of position in the seat when the airbag deploys? Won't your head get crushed?
billt9 says:
11:46 AM, 03/11/09
Who told you to put your head out of position?
Who told you to stick your arm out the rolled down window?
Are you a ganster?
Be a good boy and sit as the manual instructs you to sit. I bet the Japanese people can do that.
Can you read a book? Get a Ph.D in astro physics? All Japanese can. They're 100% trainable and follow instructions.
Not like ADHD Americans. Sheesh.
firstwagon says:
12:14 PM, 03/11/09
I'd rather see the money put into better driving training.
Any car is safe if you don't crash.
jackson611 says:
12:28 PM, 03/11/09
unless there are mechanical problems that cause the car to explode...
adavis2493 says:
01:20 PM, 03/11/09
Honestly, it just seems stupid....
What if a person is sitting, yet resting their head on another passenger?
It seems like you need to be a in a fixed position for this to be effective.
wrecker says:
03:26 PM, 03/11/09
I would trade that airbag for a 3 point harness.
And with the cost savings get abs, skid control, and an advanced driving course.
tryan says:
07:21 AM, 03/12/09
Why these incremental steps? Let's just go straight to the expanding foam injection system as displayed in Demolition Man, et al...=)
Seriously, though, I agree with Firstwagen's first statement. Regardless of safety devices, we NEED better, more selective, and more stringent driver training / licensing. Too many people in the US consider driving a right, not the privelage that it is.
With that said, any airbage is dangerous if you are out of place relative to its deployment path (i.e., your spouse is passed out, reclined in the passenger seat = instant submarine during an accident).
GT5000 says:
07:31 AM, 03/12/09
@billt9
What about kids?
They will never sit completely still and upright like that.
altimadude00 says:
09:05 AM, 03/12/09
I forgot how well this system will work with child seats strapped in the center seat. Nothing like having your kid crushed by an airbag.
billt9 says:
02:41 PM, 03/12/09
GT5000,
You be Japanese mom and dad.
YOU SIT STILL. YOU NO SIT STILL YOU HARAKIRI NOW.
I SAY STILL. SIT STRAIGHT. NO SIT STRAIGHT I DROP YOU OFF SIDE OF STREET NOW YOU COMMIT HARAKIRI.
QUIET!