Ford motor company has announced that it will introduce the motor industry’s first inflatable seat belts in 2010, designed to enhance overall vehicle safety and provide better protection for back-seat passengers.

Ford’s inflatable rear seat belts – which will make their debut on the US best-selling Ford Explorer – spread the force of a crash over an area five times bigger than conventional seat belts. This helps to reduce head, neck and chest injuries, by easing pressure and reducing movement in the event of an impact.

Combining the attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags, the new inflatable belts are designed to deploy over the wearer’s torso and shoulder within 40 milliseconds of a crash. They are safe and compatible with infant and children safety car and booster seats.

In research carried out by Ford, 90% of respondents also said the inflatable seat belts were more comfortable than traditional belts – a factor that could help to increase rear seat belt usage. The company plans to extend inflatable seat belt technology to its vehicles around the world.