Abstract: A protective clothing article including a wearable member placeable over the torso of a user, includes an upper portion for engaging the user's shoulders, and a lower portion disposed, when worn by the user, at a vertical position generally similar to the pelvis of the user. At least two deployable airbags are disposed on the lower portion of the clothing article at a vertical position generally similar to the pelvis of a user. A compressed air source is provided for injecting air into the air bags upon deployment of the air bags to inflate the airbags. The clothing article also includes at least two sensors capable of detecting and sensing information relating to the direction and velocity of movement of the user.