Ford is developing inflatable seat belts for back seat passengers (especially children) which will be an option on the 2011 Explorer.

We spotted this ad for the movie District 9 on our way out of the subway station this morning. It’s nice to see QR codes being used, but we wonder how safe and effective it is to have people stop and snap QR codes in high traffic areas at the top of stairs. And how many people actually have QR readers on their mobiles?
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Pic: 3D Printed QR Code Stamp
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Using QR [...]

The Copenhagenize blog has come up with a radical concept – warning labels on cars. Similar to the bold text warnings found on packs of cigarettes in many parts of the world, the labels would reveal the hidden dangers of driving, encouraging people to bicycle instead.
Copenhaganize explains:
I think it’s safe to say that we have a pressing need for marketing cycling positively if we’re to encourage people to ride bicycles and begin the transformation of our cities into more liveable places.
Instead of scare campaigns about cycling [a life-extending, healthy, sustainable transport form], wouldn’t it be more appropriate to begin campaigns [...]

Singapore designer Abdul Rashid’s new Karter package opener blends safety-conscious function almost completely disguised by its diminutive circular form. The disc houses a carbon steel blade in an opening small even to prevent even a tiny child’s finger from slipping in, designed to cut tough plastic tags, paper, and other parcel accoutrement. Rashid says he was inspired by the
“ubiquitous video game character Pac-Man. Just as Pac-Man zips across the computer screens, Karter slices its way through with equal ease.”
[via Core77]

In the 1970s, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a range of experimental vehicles to research the future of safety system at the newly organized Enhanced Safety Vehicles conference.  Those safety research cars gave rise to modern innovations we take for granted like airbags and anti-lock brakes.  Now, Mercedes-Benz is bringing back the Experimental Safety Vehicle, hoping to once again push the boundaries of automotive safety technology.
The new ESV is a S400 Hybrid Sedan with 13 distinctly new safety features crammed in.  Some additions are relatively minor, like the Child Cam, which prevents driver distractions (and sibling tattling) by sending still images of the [...]

Mixing clever design and considerate attention to household safety, New Point Knives‘ new ’safer kitchen’ line has a rounded tip that juts out beyond its point. The rounded design means the knife can never be used as a weapon to stab someone, and will also make the blade safer to use in regular kitchen settings.
[via Gizmodo]