By the way, after debuting in the Saturn models, the head curtain system will begin to move into other GM models, though no exact details have been made public.
"About half of the harm from serious injuries in side impact crashes is associated with head and neck injuries," Ulrich points out. So, Saturn's optional "side impact head curtain airbags are intended to help cushion the head and neck in many of these types of crashes and are expected to significantly reduce these injuries."
When something crashes into the side of a Saturn (or when a Saturn crashes into something else, like a pole or a parked car, etc.), electronic sensors along the side of the vehicle deploy the bags on that side.
The airbag drops from the upper roof rail behind the headliner and garnish trim and unfolds as it inflates, Ulrich explains, "providing a cushion to help protect the head and neck regions."
Prices have not been set for the head curtain system, but potential buyers can expect it to cost at least a few hundred dollars. If the buying patterns for Saturn's other big optional safety system -- anti-lock brakes -- are repeated, that will likely mean a fairly low take rate for head curtains.However, buyers view about the optional system is that Saturn is showing once more a commendable interest in its consumer's safety.