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?
More Like This
Freeman Dyson
We've teamed with PBS' American Experience to take a look back at Freeman Dyson, who explored whether interplanetary space travel could be made possible by harnessing the power of a nuclear bomb.
Fire Safety and Chemicals in our Clothes
There are over 80,000 chemicals in use today. The story of TRIS, removed from children's pajamas in the 1970s, illustrates just how hard it is to regulate chemicals, or to even know if they're safe.
Nuclear Power's Public Opinion Rollercoaster from Three Mile Island to Fukushima
Four decades after the accident at Three Mile Island cast a shadow on the atomic dream, is America again ready to give nuclear energy a chance?
Blackout: Understanding the US Power Grid's Vulnerability from the 2004 Failure
In 2003, a blackout crippled areas of the U.S. and Canada, leaving some 50 million people in the dark. Years later, we are still grappling with concerns over the vulnerability of our power grid.