Leesburg, Florida -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/02/2011 -- Rear inflatable seat belts are currently available as an option on the 2011 Ford Explorer at Key Scales Ford near Orlando, FL. These revolutionary seat belts have won many awards in the automotive industry including a gold medal at the 2011 Edison Best New Product Awards.

The rear inflatable seat belts have been such a hit on the new Ford Explorer that Ford has decided to expand their availability to other Ford models, including the Ford Flex, sometime next summer. The rear inflatable seat belts are designed to reduce head, neck and chest injuries in rear-seat occupants in the event of a crash. The seat belts protect the passengers in two key ways.

First, when the belt inflates in a front or side crash, their increased diameter helps to better hold passengers in the proper seating positions. Second, the inflated belts also spread crash-force energy across significantly more of an occupant’s torso to decrease injury risk and increase head and neck support.

Ford’s decision to expand the rollout of this technology is “another example of Ford leading the way to enhance vehicle safety for our customers,” according to Sue Cischke, Ford group VP of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

The addition of the inflatable rear seat belts to the Flex and other Ford models builds on the Top Safety Pick ratings the vehicle earned from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Ford plans to continue expanding the use of inflatable seat belts after launching them on the Explorer and the Flex.

If you are interested in learning more about the rear inflatable seat belts or the new Ford Explorer visit your local Ocala Ford dealer, Key Scales Ford. Their friendly staff will help you find the perfect Ford model for you.