Seat belts are important for the safety of the driver and passengers. Also termed safety belts, they come in various categories.
Here, we will understand the various types of seat belts.
Types of Seat Belts in Cars
Seat belts are considered the first line of defence in a crash. Let us look at the most common safety belt types:
The lap belt is one of the earliest forms of seat belt. It is characterised by a strap that extends across the waist, attaching at two points alongside the passenger's lap. This type of design is found in aeroplanes and older car models. It helps in preventing the occupant from being thrown forward during a collision.
Sash, or shoulder belts, lie diagonally across a person's chest and shoulder. These belts are usually fastened towards the vehicle's centre. They offer added upper body restraint. In the past, shoulder belts were often paired with lap belts to enhance protection.
This seat belt combines the lap and shoulder belt into a singular unit. This results in a Y-shaped design. This helps in distributing the force of a crash across the body's more resilient areas — the chest, pelvis, and shoulders. This seatbelt is a universal standard in modern vehicles.
Belt-in-Seat (BIS) systems integrate the seat belt directly into the seat itself. This automatic mechanism adjusts the belt as the driver or passenger enters and exits the car. It is often coupled with a manual lap belt for added security. Its use is not as widespread.
The five-point seatbelt includes two shoulder straps, two lap belts, and an additional belt between the legs. All these converge at a central buckle. It is primarily utilised in racing cars and child safety seats. This configuration ensures a snug fit and maximum restraint, which are crucial in high-speed impacts and in ensuring the safety of younger passengers.
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Automatic/Motorised Seatbelts
These seatbelts automatically wrap around the occupant when the car is started, or the door is closed. These involve a motorised shoulder strap that complements a manually secured lap belt.
It is an evolution of the five-point design. The six-point harness adds an extra strap between the legs for enhanced safety. This type is predominantly found in professional auto racing.
This type of seat belt comprises two layers of material and an airbag system that makes them thicker than standard seat belts. The seat belt deploys within a few milliseconds and distributes the force across a wider surface to minimise one’s risk of injury.
Conclusion
Now that you know about the types of seat belts, it’s time to think about investing in car insurance. Make sure you invest in a comprehensive four-wheeler insurance plan to safeguard yourself and your finances against unforeseen circumstances.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the relevant industry. It is advised to verify the relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.
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