Ford Motor Company has announced plans to produce seat belts with airbags.

The belts have a cylindrical air bag that stretches from the buckle to the shoulder.

The air bags are sewn into the seat belt.

Ford says they inflate more gently than front air bags and with cooler air, making it safe for children.

The new seat belts will debut next fall in the back seat of the 2011 Ford Explorer SUV.

Ford says it's been working on the technology for 10 years and will be the first automaker to mass produce it.