via CNET

Ever wondered what happens to a driver behind the wheel of a vehicle traveling at 60mph on a highway when he/she is bombarded with information pouring out from the electronics suite on his/her dashboard?  We all know how distracted driving  can lead to crashes that can kill or main road users and the vehicle occupants.  Today’s driver is constantly enveloped in data about not just the car’s operational elements but also from the infotainment systems that aim to bring to you the latest and greatest information via social media tools such as Twitter, facebook, etc. many argue that these internet-connected drivers (and cars) are often a detriment to driver safety but the truth is far from it.  Auto companies want to make sure that they are not just providing a better driving experience for the driver but also a safer trip while in their vehicles.  Here is an interesting walk and talk through the bowels of Ford’s advanced research facilities with Ford’s CTO Paul Mascarenas that shows what Ford is doing to mitigate the dangers of distracted driving.

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(Source: cnet)

Looks like Toyota is at it again, upping the ante for other players in the automobile market to match the stellar reputation it has built over the years as an advanced engineering shop that leaves no stone unturned to enhance the safety of the riders in the Lexus vehicles.  This above featured new, inflatable Takata “Airbelt,” or SRS Seat Belt Airbag, is built into the webbing of the seat belt of the Lexus LFA, the latest out of Toyota’s Lexus stable, expected to hit the market soon. It’s designed to protect drivers and front-seat passengers in front- or side-impact collisions. So, how does it work? Well, it works as shown nicely in the above graphic and here is some additional text from Cnet.com to aid in your understanding:

“The belt expands directly to spread the shock-load over a wider area of the occupant’s chest during front impact. And in a side impact, the belt inflates between the shoulder and head to reduce lateral head movement and provide protection from impact with the side window or colliding object, the company said in a press release.”

Click here to read more.

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• Safety: 2011 Lexus LFA first car with SRS Seat Belt Airbag (inautonews.com)
• Takata melds air bag with seat belt (search.japantimes.co.jp)
• Lexus LFA is it really worth $375,000? (ridelust.com)