Volvo may have the strongest reputation for safety in the automotive world, but Toyota has announced the launch of an all-new type of rear-seat airbag. Intended to protect rear-seat occupants from each other in the event of a side crash, the newly-developed airbag system deploys down from a center-mounted rear console.
According to Toyota, “the airbag deploys from the top of the console to act as a barrier that helps lessen injuries caused by passengers colliding with each other or into the console.†It remains unclear if the system is intended for vehicles with only two rear seats or if it includes a sensor to determine when the center seat is occupied, but Toyota says the technology will debut on an upcoming JDM model.
If the technology proves viable, we expect to see the latest variant of the SRS airbag spread throughout Toyota ’s, as well as other automakers’, global lineup.
