How did cars become “computers on wheels,” so automated that some are about to start driving themselves? The story begins forty-five years ago with a quest to make cars safer and the battle over the air bag.
Share
The Surprising Technological Revolution Launched by the Air Bag
Producer: Drew Magratten
Air bags are ubiquitous today and have saved more than 40,000 lives. But there was a time when they were controversial — even downright dangerous for some occupants. The technology ultimately developed to make air bags safer is leading to a revolution in computerized auto safety. But as cars become more and more automated, and even begin to drive themselves, are we really on the road to safety – or more recalls?
Transcript
More Like This
How the Cold War Arms Race Fueled a Sprint to the Moon
After the Soviet Union sent the first human safely into orbit, the U.S. government doubled down on its effort to win the race to the moon.
Trump and Biden Both Want to Repeal Section 230. Would That Wreck the Internet?
Today’s heated political arguments over censorship and misinformation online are rooted in a 26-word snippet of a law that created the Internet as we know it.
Health Risks of Vaping: Lessons From the Battle With Big Tobacco
Like cigarette manufacturers decades ago, e-cigarette makers have pitched their products as fun and safe. But nobody knows what the risks are.
Mini-doc
Google Workers Walked Out Over Harassment. A Year Later, What’s Changed?
Sexual harassment. Discrimination. Workplace inequity. Google’s employees demonstrated against unfair practices. But has anything changed?