Dutch manufacturing company Fijen has unveiled its latest high-tech seatbelt, which uses special technology to help out passengers in case of an emergency.
According to AutoBlog, the new device was created to help people get out of a car in the event it became submerged in water. A small black plastic tube is attached to the regular seatbelt clasp, and inside sits a salt pill. If enough water fills the car and dissolves the pill - something that cannot be done by simply spilling a drink or having wet clothes drip - the device presses down on the seal belt button, unhooking it.
The basic idea is that people become so panicked or injured in situations like this they may be unable to do something as simple as unbuckling their seatbelt, so the Fijen product does it for them.
This device is only one aspect of staying safe when driving, as car owners still need to keep up with their scheduled maintenance and take proper precautions when on the roads. However, many aspects of new safety technology help keep people out of harm's way. NBC News reports that last year's traffic fatalities fell to the lowest number in more than 60 years, with much of the credit due to revamped safety devices.