A safety feature commonly found in new European cars is often absent from models sold in the US. This feature is designed to prevent injuries in lateral crashes, where the impact comes from the side. In such crashes, occupants can be thrown towards the center of the vehicle in a matter of milliseconds, increasing the risk of organ damage or severe head injury.

A device has been developed to mitigate this risk, deploying from the seat or center console to protect occupants. Further information on this safety feature and its availability in US models can be found through InvestigateTV.