Audi developed the “procon-ten” safety system as an alternative to the airbag. The name procon-ten was an acronym for programmed contraction of the steering column and tension of the seat belts. This purely mechanical system, which worked without any electronics or explosive materials, was designed to give passengers in the front seats even greater protection from injury. Although putting on a seat belt greatly reduced the risk of injury for front-seat passengers, there was a large increase in the number of head injuries caused by the driver colliding with the steering wheel, and pelvic injuries resulting from the passengers slipping underneath the belt which was only being worn loose. Another factor was that in a frontal impact the steering wheel was frequently pushed towards the passenger compartment. During an accident, Audi’s procon-ten safety system moved the steering wheel out of the driver’s danger zone and the front seat belts were tensioned.
