What are the suitable weight and height for seat belts?
4 Answers
Seat belts are suitable for individuals weighing 36 kilograms and with a height of 140 centimeters or more. Children should use child safety seats. The steps for using a seat belt are: 1. Pull out the seat belt and fasten the buckle to ensure the belt secures the body; 2. Adjust the waist belt position to sit on the hips; 3. Adjust the shoulder strap to cross diagonally over the collarbone; 4. Check the seat belt to ensure it functions properly; 5. Hold the buckle, press the release button to retract the belt into the retractor, and store the buckle in its designated position. Seat belts are safety devices designed to restrain occupants during a collision, preventing secondary impacts with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other objects, or avoiding ejection from the vehicle, which could lead to injuries or fatalities.
The design goal of car seat belts is to fit the majority of adults, with a height range of approximately 150 to 200 centimeters and a weight between 50 to 100 kilograms. I learned this from safety standard research, as the seat belt's restraint system and airbag compatibility work best within these dimensions. For individuals who are too short, such as those under 140 centimeters in height, the shoulder belt may press against the neck, significantly increasing the risk. For those who weigh too little, such as less than 40 kilograms, the seat belt may exert excessive pressure on internal organs during a collision. For individuals who are overweight, exceeding 100 kilograms, the lap belt may not secure properly, increasing the risk of slipping out and being ejected. I recommend checking the seat belt position every time you get in the car: the lap belt should rest on the hip bones, and the shoulder belt should not press against the neck. Children must never use adult seat belts; they require a child safety seat for reliable protection. Remember to check the vehicle manual, as it details the applicable range to ensure safety.
When our family goes on road trips, I pay special attention to the issue of seat belt sizing. For a child weighing less than 30 kg and standing 130 cm tall, using an adult seat belt's shoulder strap can press against the neck, which could be fatal in a serious accident—I've witnessed such cases firsthand. For adults like me, weighing 65 kg and 175 cm tall, the seat belt fits well, but it's not suitable for those who are significantly lighter or heavier. Children under 150 cm tall and weighing less than 40 kg should use a child booster seat, which cannot replace a full restraint system. My wife, at 55 kg and 160 cm, finds the seat belt comfortable, but I recommend adjusting the seat before each trip to ensure the belt fits snugly against the body. A friend who weighs over 90 kg mentioned that the belt doesn't secure tightly and tends to shift—don't force it; safety comes first.
After driving various cars, I've concluded that seat belts are safest for adults with heights between 150 to 190 cm and weights around 50 to 90 kg. At 170 cm and 70 kg, I find the seat belt comfortable when properly adjusted and tightened. For those shorter, like 145 cm, the seat belt tends to sit too high and can choke the neck. For heavier individuals, around 110 kg, the belt's fixation is less secure. Children must use specialized seats and not share with adults. Simply adjusting the position can help avoid risks.
