Abstract: A horizontal passenger-restraining padded buffer (FIGS. 1 and 2) extends transversely across the front portion of the automobile passenger compartment adjacent to and overlying the cowl. This buffer is mounted on the outer ends of the piston rods of a pair of rearwardly-facing pneumatic cylinders tiltably mounted in spaced parallel relationship on the fire wall of the vehicle. The rearward chambers of the cylinders contain air and the normal retracting positions of the pistons are adjacent the forward ends of the cylinders. Secured to the forward end of each cylinder and communicating with the forward chamber thereof is an explosive gas generator which contains a cartridge chamber for a pistol blank cartridge adapted to be fired by a reciprocable firing pin actuated by an electrical solenoid to the armature of which it is attached.