SOURCES AND REMEDIES FOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM DISCOMFORT AND INCONVENIENCES

This study examines possible causes of failure of autombile occupants to wear restraint systems provided by the manufacturers. Attention is directed primarily to confusion, incovenience and discomfort factors in seat belt usage. Study phases consisted of: (a) literature survey to determine state-of-the-art in restraint system design and reasons why people avoid using seat belts; (b) preliminary user survey aimed at identifying in greater detail why people find seat belt systems inconvenient and uncomfortable; (c) new car survey to learn more about how current seat belt systems are designed and installed and if there are new developments that can improve the state-of-the-art; and (d) a series of laboratory studies designed to determine if it is possible to create a more suitable seat belt system. Based on laboratory results an optimized system was designed and tested in two vehicles. These optimized seat belt systems were then compared to four other 1974 vehicle systems to determine their acceptability by users from the standpoints of convenience and comfort. Results showed that the optimized system was significantly favored by test subjects.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Study sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Washington, D.C.
• Corporate Authors:

  Man Factors, Incorporated

  San Diego, CA  United States  92110
• Authors:
  • Pierce, B F
  • Woodson, W E
  • Selby, P H
• Publication Date: 1974-11

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 193 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Consumer behavior; Consumer preferences; Laboratory studies; Manual safety belts; Optimization; Passenger comfort; Passive restraint systems; Restraint systems; Reviews; Vehicle design
• Old TRIS Terms: Occupant restraint; Passenger restraints; Passive protection devices
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00098464
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Safety Council Safety Research Info Serv
• Report/Paper Numbers: MFI 74-108
• Contract Numbers: DOT-HS-230-3-674
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1975 12:00AM