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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.

References[edit | edit source]

Seat belt Resources
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