Seat belts, sometimes called safety belts, is a safety harness designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result from a collision or a sudden stop. As part of an overall occupant restraint system, car seat belts are intended to reduce injuries by stopping the wearer from hitting hard interior elements of the vehicle or other passengers and by preventing the passenger from being thrown from the vehicle.
Seat belt laws have their origins in Australia when the legal requirement tot fit seat belts begin in the Australian states of Victoria and South Australia in 1964, with the compulsory fitting of car seat belt anchorages in front outboard positions of new cars. In 1965 cars built in Europe were required to be fitted with front seat belts. This was followed in 1967 by the requirement of the United Kingdom to fit 3-point belts in the front outboard positions and by the requirement of South Australia to fit belts to the front outboard positions in all new passenger cars sold.
Seat belt safety went beyond regular drivers and five-point and six-point harnesses were created for child safety seats and racing cars. The five-point restraints are safer but more restrictive than most other seat belt types. The lap portion is connected to a belt between the legs and there are two should belts making a total of five points of attachment to the seat.
Six-point harnesses are similar to five-point harnesses but include an extra belt between the legs which is seen by some to be a weaker point than the other parts. These belts are used mainly in racing. In NASCAR, the six-point harness became popular after the death of Dale Earnhardt, who was wearing a five-point harness at the time of his death during a fatal car crash. As it was first thought that his belt had broken, some NASCAR teams ordered a six-point harness in response. Racing seat belts are mandatory in order to participate in any NASCAR races.
Seat belt safety has extended to our pets as well. Dog seat belts protect not only the animal but the drivers and passengers in a car or truck. Pet travel sets have been created to protect vehicle seats and the animals and they attach easily to headrests with straps. Seat belt extenders are another accessory to seat belts. The seat belt extender was created for drivers and passengers who are larger than 200 pounds. The seat belt extender is intended to protect the larger driver or passenger with same restraint as a standard seat belt.
Driving is not always easy. Buckle up and arrive safely to your destination.
