Ford is going ahead with seatbelt airbags in the next generation Ford Explorer. The system uses compressed gas which, for safety, inflates the seatbelt at a slower speed than traditional airbags using chemical explosives. Apparently, Lexus is planning to release a similar system in its higher end vehicles next year.
Press release: Ford Introduces Industry’s First Inflatable Seat Belts to Enhance Rear Seat Safety …
(hat tip: Engadget)