http://www.hotwired.com/Coin/Spnsrs/Volvo/960/Specs/safety.html (The Risc Disc Volume 2, 10/1995)
Effective automotive safety design is composed of two distinct components - Dynamic Safety, the ability to avoid an accident, and Passive Safety, the ability to minimize injury should accidents occur. To a significant degree, Dynamic Safety is a function of handling and predictability. The 960's 4-wheel independent suspension, responsive steering and 4-wheel disc anti-lock braking translate into added control, responsive handling and consistent performance.
Passive Safety design takes over in the split second that an accident occurs. Another way of looking at Passive Safety is an effective energy management. How can a car's design dissipate the energy of a collision to protect the occupants?
A steel passenger safety cage with High Strength Steel (HSS) components provides a rigid perimeter of occupant protection. Surrounding that rigid cage, a network of sacrificial members help to absorb the energy of a full frontal or rear impact. Other structures exist that are designed to help absorb and redirect the impact of an "offset" frontal impact.
Three-point seat belts with head restraints are standard for all five seating positions including the center rear. Front seat belts offer pyrotechnic pretensioners that are designed to tighten the seat belt in the event of certain frontal impacts.
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