There is a lot of disagreement about how big modern cars are and how dangerous they are for pedestrians. Other automakers are looking for ways to lower risk, but Ford seems very sure about an option for its trucks: bumpers that can be inflated. CarBuzz was the first to notice the technology, which the Dearborn company that made it then applied for a patent for. Ford is taking a complex approach to this, as shown by the pictures and the technical language used, such as “thermoplastic elastomer” and “inflation chamber.” Still, the idea is easy to understand. To keep a person safe, making sure their legs don’t go under the car is important because it keeps them out of harm’s way if a driver in a 6,000-pound monster hits them. This requires a lot of thought into redirection. The suggested equipment has several inflatable parts that limit “the relative movement between the femur and the tibia.” These parts also keep the pedestrian from falling. They work like regular airbags, which expand when they’re hit. Also, they give the vehicle a rounded front end because most modern 4x4s have flat front ends that make the impact of an accident worse. This is meant for bigger cars. Ford clearly used an F-150 to get ideas for the design, and the bumper can fit into two hook holes. A pickup driver is more likely to be honest about which cars and trucks are the most dangerous for walkers, cyclists, and other drivers. It’s important to note that the patent application lets these inflatable bumpers be made out of steel or metal in the future. The bags don’t break through the outside shell like an airbag inside a steering wheel does. I can’t understand why I should think that shooting shrapnel through a pedestrian is a safer choice. No one can say for sure when this will happen. It would be preferable if this weren’t required in any way. There must be a better way, and it likely includes self-driving cars that keep people from running into each other. Ford could come up with something less sci-fi. I’m not against having a backup.
