Vehicle seat with system for protecting drivers legs from steering column in event of collision, contains interconnected empty and inflated cushions

The seat part (2) of the chair (1) contains a first cushion (4) in its rear section, which is initially filled with a medium (preferably air), and a second cushion (5) which is initially empty. The two cushions are connected to each other via at least one channel (6) provided with a one-way valve, which is opened when a pre-determined pressure is reached inside the first cushion. In the event of a collision, the bodyweight of the driver increases compression of the first cushion, causing the valve to open and the second cushion to fill with the medium. The second cushion is located symmetrically in the front of the seat part, next to the top side of the seat. As the cushion is filled with medium, it expands upwards and forces the drivers legs apart. An Independent claim is also included for a method for preventing drivers legs being injured by a steering column, using this system.