While no one will argue that new LINCOLN models are tops when it comes to luxury, performance, and safety, there will always be room to make a vehicle safer. That is exactly what the American automaker is aiming to do with the implementation of a new inflatable seatbelt on models, like the LINCOLN MKS.

Even we here at Landmark Ford LINCOLN will admit it: this idea sounded a little strange to us at first. But, we've got to admit, this really is a phenomenal offering from America's favorite luxury brand. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if someday, this became a standard feature on every model at our lot, at 12000 SW 66th Ave Tigard, OR 97223, feature one.

The inflatable seatbelt won a gold medal for Applied Technology at 2011's Edison Awards. Early data, which was performed using Ford Explorer and Flex models, "shows that 40 percent of Explorer sales are to parents opting for the rear passenger safety feature. The Flex, which shares the same vehicle platform as the Ford Explorer, is also a popular family vehicle."¹

But, how exactly do these high-tech airbags work? And, why are they so beneficial? We imagine those are the kinds of questions you're asking right now, and we are more than prepared to answer them for you! Each strap contains an airbag that can deploy in case of an accident. These airbags expand to cover five times more of the driver or passenger's torso. This can also be beneficial to passengers in the back seat, as the airbags help to reduce the risk of injury by diffusing crash pressure over a large area.

"This advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck, and chest injuries for rear-seat passengers, often children, and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries," said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.²

If you'd like to learn more about specific LINCOLN models like the LINCOLN MKT and LINCOLN MKZ, feel free to visit our dealership, serving ... . And, remember to keep our service department in mind when considering how to best maintain that new LINCOLN. And, remember to keep checking back for more LINCOLN news!

Source: ^1,2http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20073671-48/flex-LINCOLN-cars-to-get-inflatable-seat-belt-option/