Seatbelt Timeline.

By kbenson107
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    Physicians equipt their own cars

    Several U.S. physicians equip their own cars with lap belts and begin urging manufacturers to provide them in all new cars.

  • Colorado State

    Colorado State Medical Society publishes policy supporting installation of lap belts in all automobiles

  • Competing drivers

    Sports Car Club of America requires competing drivers to wear lap belts

  • California

    California Vehicle Code is amended to require State approval of seat belts before their sale or use

  • Volvo markets 2-point cross-chest diagonal belt as accessory

    Volvo markets 2-point cross-chest diagonal belt as accessory
    • Ford and Chrysler offer lap belts in front as option on some models
    • Ford begins 2-year ad campaign based on safety, focusing heavily on belts

  • Required in 6 States

    Six U.S. States require front outboard seat belt anchors

  • Half the States

    About half the U.S. States require seat belt anchorages at front outboard

  • France requires them in the rear

    France mandates seat belts in rear: either 3 lap belts or 3-points at outboard positions and lap belt at center (most manufacturers choose later option)

  • belts on school buses

    In August, NHTSA denied a petition brought by the Center for Auto Safety and 21 other organizations or individuals that sought a federal requirement for lap/shoulder seat belts on large school buses.

  • Advances in Technology

    o 2-Point Seat Belt: A restraint system with two attachment points. A lap belt.
    o 3-Point Seat Belt: A seat belt with both a lap and a shoulder portion, having three attachment points .
    o Lap Belt: A seat belt anchored at two points, for use across the occupant's thighs/hips.
    o Lap/Shoulder Belt: A seat belt that is anchored at three points and restrains the occupant at the hips and across the shoulder.

  • Future of device

    o Ford introduces the auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts, which are designed to provide additional protection for rear seat occupants, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries