Hyundai has developed the world’s first multi-collision airbag which it says will be rolled out across Hyundai and Kia in the coming years.

According to data from the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System in the US, three in every 10 collisions involves a secondary collision with another object. To that end, Hyundai’s engineers have developed a multi-collision airbag with sensors designed to monitor the driver and passenger’s position after a collision and initial airbag deployment and, if necessary re-fire the airbag for a secondary impact.

Details are still thin, but according to Hyundai, the idea is that initial deployment intensity is recalibrated to allow for an almost immediate re-deployment if necessary.

“By improving airbag performance in multi-collision scenarios, we expect to significantly improve the safety of our drivers and passengers,” said Taesoo Chi, head of Chassis Technology Centre at Hyundai Motor Group. “We will continue our research on more diverse crash situations as part of our commitment to producing even safer vehicles that protect occupants and prevent injuries.”