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April 27, 2007

Strange But True!

Q. Three-point seat belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, all-season tires, computer chips, satellite navigation are just a few “new” standard automotive features, plus DVD players to entertain the kids in the back seat, remotes to start up the engine from your key chain or to turn on the house lights even before you get home. What are a few even newer ones?

A. “Smart air bags” will automatically turn off if there's a rear-facing infant seat or forward-facing child restraint in the front passenger area, says “NASA Tech Briefs” (NTB). Even smarter bags can monitor rate of bag inflation and filling capacity to accommodate occupant size, sitting position, seat belt use, and severity of the crash.


 
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