Seat belt
Seat Belt
A Seat Belt (pronounced: /ˈsiːt bɛlt/), also known as a safety belt, is a vehicle safety device designed to secure the occupant of a vehicle against harmful movement that may result during a collision or a sudden stop.
Etymology
The term "seat belt" comes from the words "seat", which is derived from the Old English "set" meaning a place to sit, and "belt", which comes from the Old English "belt" meaning a band or girdle.
Function
A seat belt functions by restraining the vehicle occupant to prevent them from hitting hard interior elements of the vehicle or other passengers (the so-called second impact), being ejected from the vehicle, and to keep them positioned correctly for maximum effectiveness of the airbag (if equipped) during a crash.
Types of Seat Belts
There are several types of seat belts used in vehicles today:
- Lap belts: These are adjustable straps that go over the waist.
- Sash belts: These are adjustable straps that go over the shoulder.
- Three-point belts: These are a combination of lap and sash belts in one. They go over the waist and shoulder and are the most commonly used type of seat belt today.
- Five-point harness belts: These are used primarily in child safety seats and in racing cars. The belt comes with five points of attachment to the seat.
Legislation
In many countries, it is mandatory for all passengers in a vehicle to wear a seat belt. This is enforced through seat belt legislation, which varies by country and state.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Seat belt
- Wikipedia's article - Seat belt
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