Faulty seatbelts, fear, and car seats forever? - Page 2

tracilicious · 11-13-2006, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

See, that's just what I'm talking about. Passive restraint systems (multi-airbags) and collapsing bumpers are obviously very profitable. My theory is that adults do not care to spend the 45 seconds it would take to buckle themselves into a 5 point belt and would rather spend thousands of dollars on other measures. I'm not knocking any safety system or saying I even really want a 5 point belt, it's just amazing to me the discrepancy between perceived requirements for child and adult safety.

It's funny that they don't offer five point restraints for adults. It would probably take an adult five seconds to get it buckled. It takes me 45 with the kids because I have to get them in, buckle the buckles, and adjust everything.

It probably has something to do with comfort, as many americans are overweight, having a buckle between your thighs would probably suck. Also though, that as an adult I know the risk I take everytime I get in a car and I decide to take that risk. My kids obviously can't know the risks of riding in an automobile. I am choosing to take that risk for them. So, of course, I want to do whatever is in my power to lessen the risk. So my point is, that for most people a seatbelt is enough protection when faced with the fairly minimal risk of a car wreck. But like I said above, a seatbelt wouldn't be any protection at all for a small child, so we have to take much more drastic measures to protect them against the same risk.

Sorry, I'm rambly today.

Strangler Lewis · 11-13-2006, 12:52 PM

The way to get Americans to wear five point harnesses while driving is to pitch it as what fighter pilots do. In the same vein, drivers are told that their big SUVs and picksups are safer, but what they're really buying is a weapon.

Capt Jack · 11-13-2006, 12:49 PM

believe it or not, 5 point harnesses are NOT DoT approved, although I'd be hard pressed to say why that is. Im in the process of piecing together a bracket drag car. first thing I did was replace the seat belts...which is when I found out about the DoT thing (much to my dismay)

yes, Ive seen them fail although its not usually the belt itself, but the mountings.

11-13-2006, 12:52 PM	#2
Strangler Lewis Doing The Job Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: In a state Posts: 3,956	The way to get Americans to wear five point harnesses while driving is to pitch it as what fighter pilots do. In the same vein, drivers are told that their big SUVs and picksups are safer, but what they're really buying is a weapon. __________________ Live now-pay later. Diner's Club!
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11-13-2006, 12:49 PM	#3
Capt Jack check your head Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 4,174	believe it or not, 5 point harnesses are NOT DoT approved, although I'd be hard pressed to say why that is. Im in the process of piecing together a bracket drag car. first thing I did was replace the seat belts...which is when I found out about the DoT thing (much to my dismay) yes, Ive seen them fail although its not usually the belt itself, but the mountings. __________________ a clear conscience is a sure sign of a fuzzy memory
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