ARE 1974-1975 AUTOMOTIVE BELT SYSTEMS HAZARDOUS TO CHILDREN?

The 1974 and early-1975 model automobiles are equipped with belt interlock systems that require front outboard seat occupanis who weigh more than 21.5 kg (47.3 lb) to wear three-point lap and diagonal upper-torso belts (or wear the lap belt and position upper-torso belt behind them), assuming that the interlock has not been circumvented. Recent legislation has eliminated the interlock requirement, but new models are still likely to be fitted with three- point restraints for the front outboard seating positions. These restraint systems were designed and tested for adult use. Thus, based on the different structure of a younger child and the fact that there is a wide variation of belt orientation, child size, and sealing environments, there is leglimate concern that the upper diagonal belt might contribute to injury of the child under certain impact conditions.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Medical Association

  535 North Dearborn Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60610
• Authors:
  • Snyder, R G
  • O'Neill, B
• Publication Date: 1975-8

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 946-949
• Serial:
  • AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DISEASES OF CHILDREN
  • Volume: 129
  • Publisher: American Medical Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash causes; Front seats; Ignition seat belt interlocks; Infants; Manual safety belts
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00133539
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Highway Safety Research Institute
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 4 1976 12:00AM