Honda Devises Air Bag that Opens Faster and Wider

August 9, 2002 TOKYO — Honda Motor Co said Thursday it has developed a new air bag that opens faster and wider than conventional bags to enhance the safety of drivers and passengers in the event of a side-impact collision. The side curtain air bag is designed to fall from above the side window, taking 0.015 second to open, 30% faster than conventional air bags. When inflated, it covers 60% more space.

The mechanism can better protect the head and neck of the passenger, Honda said. To achieve these features, Honda adopted low-temperature, compressed helium gas. Conventional air bags use nitrogen gas. Honda will first install the new air bag in its Accord passenger car to be put on the market this fall. Toyota and Nissan have already adopted