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The airbag has turned 35, and oh what a ride it has
been! From simple, optional driver’s side airbags to full side curtain airbags and driver’s and passenger’s side
airbags coming standard, the airbag has had a long and distinguished life. Reportedly birthed from missile technology,
the airbag became a priority for the automotive industry in 1970 when the newly-formed US highway-safety authority
stipulated that driver airbags would be a legal requirement for all new cars – starting as early as January 1,
1973.
Read more on the history of the airbag in the linked article.