passive-restraint device
Quick Summary
A passive restraint is a safety device in a vehicle that automatically protects occupants during a crash without requiring any action from them. These systems were developed because many people did not use manual seat belts, even when they were mandated.12
One example of a passive restraint is an air bag. Air bags are cushions stored in the vehicle's dashboard that inflate rapidly upon impact to cushion the occupant and absorb energy. Other safety devices include seat belts, harnesses, and improved door locks. The first patent for a restraining belt was issued in 1885, and seat belts became more common in automobiles by the early 1970s.2
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