Motorcycle rider Hirofumi Nagamiya demonstrates a newly-developed motorcycle safety jacket that auto.., 1998-07-15 (photo)

Motorcycle rider Hirofumi Nagamiya demonstrates a newly-developed motorcycle safety jacket that automatically inflates like a car air bag in an accident, on a street in Yokohama July 15. The jacket, developed by the Mugendenko company, is designed to inflate if the rider is thrown from the seat of the motorcycle, cushioning the body against the impact of landing. The jacket is instantly inflated by a compressed air cylinder if a line attaching it to the motorcycle is tugged sharply. Sales start at the end of this month at a price of 40,000 yen (US$284).