GM Patents Pedestrian Airbag

Jan 08,2018

GM has received a patent for an external airbag to protect pedestrians in a crash. The design is a pedestrian airbag mounted in a fender region adjacent to the vehicle’s hood.

According to Maeva Ribas of The Carlab, the initial impact from a vehicle is not what is most likely to kill pedestrians. Instead, it is the secondary impact when pedestrians pass over the vehicle’s hood and hit their heads on front roof pillars. Thus, an airbag that would protect pedestrians from this impact has the potential to save lives.

GM says the pedestrian airbag is a promising new technology. However, they do not have any specific production plans for it yet.

Pedestrian Fatalities on the Rise

This safety technology could not come at a more critical time. Pedestrian fatalities rose 11% in 2016, when nearly 6,000 pedestrians were killed. This marked the largest single-year increase in pedestrian fatalities in history.

“Pedestrian fatalities have risen a shocking amount in recent years. Thus, technologies that help keep pedestrians safer on the road are more important than ever,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.