The science behind seat belts

 
Studies have shown that seat belts save thousands of lives every year in North America, and thousands of deaths are caused every year because the passenger failed to use a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt can be the difference between life and death and this article will show how that’s possible.
 
Since objects will stay in motion until acted upon by another force, the seat belt is the force that prevents you from flying through the windshield. Once you crash, the seat belt’s job is then to help spread the stopping force throughout your body to minimize damage.
 
Your seat belt is intended to go around your rib cage and pelvis because these are sturdy parts of your body and can absorb the stopping force better. Also, since the seat belt is flexible material and makes the stop less abrupt and reduces the risk of injury.
 
The seatbelt system has a retractor mechanism that locks during a collision. Even though you can lean forward easily with your seatbelt on when you’re driving, the seatbelt will tighten up during a crash because of this mechanism.
 
While this is just a basic overview of how a seatbelt works, it gives you a good idea of how you are able to stay relatively safe during a collision.
 
Patrick Britton – Guest Blogger