9 - Airbags
Steering wheel of the Subaru Forester, featuring an airbag | Photo: D.Boshouwers
In the early 1970s, Ford was the first major automaker to test passenger airbags, and in 1972 it offered this option with the Monterey model. In 1973, Chevrolet equipped 1,000 Impalas with experimental airbags. Subsequently they would be offered as an option between 1974 and 1976 with the Oldsmobile Toronado.
Today, in addition to airbags, there are side curtain airbags and a host of other devices that deploy throughout the cabin to protect vehicle occupants in the event of an collision. Again, it is impossible to calculate the number of deaths and serious injuries avoided due to the presence of airbags and similar systems, but there’s no doubt the number is enormous.
Steering wheel of the Lexus IS, with the airbag logo | Photo: D.Boshouwers
The Subaru Forester, in the snow | Photo: D.Boshouwers