Seat belt

Seat belt (also known as a safety belt) is a vehicle safety device designed to secure the driver or a passenger of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result during a collision or a sudden stop.

History

The first patent for the use of seat belts was issued to Edward J. Claghorn of New York, United States on February 10, 1885. Nils Bohlin, a Swedish inventor working for Volvo, designed the modern three-point seat belt in 1959.

Design

Seat belts are designed to retain people in their seats, and so prevent or reduce injuries suffered in a crash. They ensure that as little contact is made between the occupant and vehicle interior as possible and significantly reduce the risk in a crash.

Three-point seat belt

The three-point seat belt was developed to protect car occupants from injury in a crash, particularly in a high impact crash. The three-point seat belt is a combination of a lap belt and a sash belt, providing restraint to the upper and lower body.

Effectiveness

Seat belts are one of the most effective means of saving lives and reducing injuries in crashes. They reduce the risk of death for front seat passengers by 45% and the risk of serious injury by 50%.

Legislation

Many countries have made it mandatory for vehicle occupants to wear seat belts. The first mandatory seat belt law was put into effect in Victoria, Australia in 1970.

See also

• Airbag
• Child safety seat
• Seat belt legislation

References

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