Since the automobile became a part of our lives, safety has been a constant concern . Decades ago, driving was a much riskier activity: cars didn’t have seatbelts, airbags, or impact-absorbing structures. Today, however, these systems are mandatory and have saved millions of lives around the world.
And when it comes to road safety , the advances of recent decades have marked a before and after . What we now take for granted as essential—like seat belts or airbags—was once a source of debate, scepticism, and even rejection . As cars gained in speed and performance, the need to protect occupants also became evident.
In fact, the first commercial airbag was introduced in the 1970s , and its use didn’t become widespread until the 1990s . Seat belts became mandatory in Spain in 1992 for the rear seats, following years of awareness-raising campaigns.
And when it comes to road safety, the advances of recent decades have marked a before and after. What we now take for granted as essential—like seat belts or airbags—was once a source of debate, scepticism, and even rejection . As cars gained in speed and performance, the need to protect occupants also became evident.
In fact, the first commercial airbag was introduced in the 1970s , and its use didn’t become widespread until the 1990s . Seat belts became mandatory in Spain in 1992 for the rear seats, following years of awareness-raising campaigns.
“Now, the seat belt, the hips, all the shooting areas, as you well know, when there’s an accident the seat belt picks you up and slams you against the seat. So be very careful not to think that the seat belt or the airbag won’t save your life, because that’s a mistake ,” concludes Gaitán , staunchly defending both safety systems.
Source: www.mundodeportivo.com
