Ford Invents Front Bumper Airbags to Protect Crash Victims

According to the copyright Ford filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office and wasCarBuzzdiscovered this week, the American brand is considering a very interesting equipment. Specifically, they want to equip an "airbag" in the front bumper of their models, limiting the impact created for pedestrians who are hit.

Ford calls the device “inflatable front bumpers.” They’re located both above and below the regular front bumper and function like a traditional airbag. When a collision sensor detects a collision, they deploy immediately.

However, this equipment size is not enough to protect the entire person who is hit. They only have the effect of limiting the impact on the victim's legs and preventing them from being dragged under the car.

In recent years, the North American crash testing and safety organization IIHS has continuously issued warnings about the harmful effects of the proliferation of large SUVs and pickup trucks. They encourage car manufacturers to redesign the front of the car to limit the impact on those who are hit.

However, this is not an easy factor, because the front of SUVs/pickups are often made high to improve the approach angle.

Ford is one of the most polarized automakers in the world. It killed all hatchbacks and sedans at the start of the decade, focusing on SUVs and pickups. Both of these segments are larger and heavier, making them more dangerous for pedestrians if they hit them.

Therefore, it is understandable that Ford, in recent times, has tried to find solutions to limit injuries to people hit by these vehicles.