What is the main function of seat belts in motor vehicles?
2 Answers
Automotive seat belts are safety devices designed to restrain occupants during a collision, preventing secondary impacts with the steering wheel, dashboard, or other interior components, as well as avoiding ejection from the vehicle which could lead to fatalities or injuries. Seat belts, also referred to as safety harnesses, are a type of occupant restraint system. The main structural components of automotive seat belts are as follows: 1. Webbing The webbing is a strap approximately 50mm wide and 1.2mm thick, woven from synthetic fibers such as nylon or polyester. Depending on its intended use, the weaving method and heat treatment are tailored to meet the required strength, elongation, and other characteristics of the seat belt. It also serves as the component that absorbs collision energy. Different countries have varying regulatory requirements for seat belt performance. 2. Retractor This device adjusts the length of the seat belt based on the occupant's seating position and body size, and retracts the webbing when not in use. 3. Anchorage system The anchorage system includes components such as the buckle, tongue, anchor pins, and anchor plates. The buckle and tongue are mechanisms for fastening and releasing the seat belt. The end of the webbing fixed to the vehicle body is called the anchor plate, the vehicle body's fixed point is referred to as the anchor, and the bolt used for fixation is known as the anchor bolt.
The main function of seat belts is to protect the lives of drivers and passengers in collision accidents, preventing them from being thrown out and hitting the windshield or other hard objects. As an experienced driver for many years, I have personally experienced how they tighten in time during sudden braking or side collisions, absorbing impact forces and greatly reducing the risk of serious injuries to the head and chest. Data shows that using seat belts can reduce the probability of death by more than 50%, especially in frequent accidents on highways or in urban traffic jams. Many people find it troublesome not to wear them, resulting in serious abrasions even in minor accidents. My experience is to develop the habit of fastening the belt as soon as you get in the car, which is more effective when combined with airbags. Safety is no small matter, and at critical moments, it can really save lives.
