I NFLATABLE SIDE CURTAIN.
Since introducing the three-point
seat belt almost 40 years ago,
Volvo has consistently advanced
the cause of automotive safety
design with technological break-
throughs and patented concepts.
The Inflatable Side Curtain (IC)
represents another in this proud
line of achievements.
IC widens the scope of Volvo's
patented Side Impact Protection
System (SIPS) technology to
new levels of personal occupant
protection. This third stage of
the SIPS concept is designed to
provide increased protection
from head injuries for front- and
back-seat door-side occupants.
I n a side impact, IC, in 25
thousandths of a second, inflates
a protective curtain that extends
from the windshield pillar
to the rear pillar. This protective
curtain has been shown to
absorb as much as 75% of the
energy exerted by the head
when it is thrown to the side.
I C offers an additional benefit
beyond helping to protect the
head area from an impact. It also
reduces the risk of an occupant
being partially thrown out through
a side window. IC, together with
the SIPS structural protection
and SIPS Air Bags, represents
what may be the most
comprehensive side impact
protection of any production
automobile in the world.
