I am ambivalent about the Volvo pedestrian airbag, as seen via Laughing Squid. On one hand, it seems like another way for automakers to help people shirk responsibility for how they drive. Plus, as currently designed, it looks like it's intended to minimize windshield damage as much as anything.
On the other hand, it is a fact that a lot of people get hit by drivers, and many of them die after making contact with the windshield. It's entirely possible that this design could save more than a few lives.
What do you think?
(h/t to dave)