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Seat Belt
Volvo introduces the seat belt. It remains the most beneficial car safety device of all time. -
Padded Dashboard
Volvo introduces a padded dashboard, in an attempt to reduce facial/chest injuries from frontal collisions. -
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
First mechanical anti-lock brakes based on aircraft technology, introduced on the Jensen FF, a hand-built luxury sports car. -
Seat Belts
All cars sold in the UK must be fitted with front seat belts. -
Heat Restraints
Volvo offers front-seat head restraints, aimed at protecting the head and neck in rear-end crashes -
Electronic ABS
Mercedes-Benz S-class is the first production car with electronic ABS. -
Drivers Airbag
Mercedes-Benz S-class is the first production car with a driver's airbag. -
Seat Belts
Becomes compulsory to wear front seat belts in the UK. -
Third Brake Light
High-level third brake light is introduced by Volvo -
Rear Seat Belts
- New cars sold in the UK must be fitted with rear seat belts.
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Rear Seat Belts
Rear seat belts, if fitted, must be worn by children under 14 years in all cars driven in the UK -
Seat Belts
Seat belts, if fitted, must be worn by all rear seat passengers including adults -
Crash Tests
Pioneering crash tests carried out by European consumer organizations. Test method later adopted by Euro NCAP. -
Euro NCAP Established
Euro NCAP established. Super minis are first to be tested, with the Rover 100 scoring just one star. It is withdrawn from sale 22 months later. -
First 5 Star Rating Awarded
First car to be awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating for occupant protection to the Renault Laguna II. -
Pop-up Bonnets
Pop-up bonnets designed to reduced pedestrians injuries available on Citroen C6 and Jaguar XK
