Overview
Seat belts are among the most important safety features in modern vehicles. Since being mandated by the Department of Transportation, automakers have explored numerous designs aimed at balancing safety with passenger comfort.
However, these safety devices do not always function as intended. Since 1996, American automakers have issued over 1,000 recalls for defective seat belts. Many of these issues stem from design changes meant to enhance comfort that ultimately compromised passenger safety.
One such flawed design was the “window shade” seat belt. This model allowed individuals to intentionally introduce slack into the seat belt. The user could lock the belt in place, then later remove the slack when desired. Domestic automakers used this feature as a means of relieving tension for comfort.
Unfortunately, many people unintentionally introduced slack into the belt, and it remained present at the time of a crash. Compounding the issue was a general lack of awareness about how dangerous slack can be. Excess slack in a seat belt significantly reduces its effectiveness, increasing the risk of severe head impacts with parts of the car’s interior, including the steering wheel, windshield, windshield header, and dashboard.
Another common seat belt defect involves spool-out injuries. Seat belts are typically designed to lock when a vehicle experiences rapid deceleration, such as during a collision. However, some designs are prone to a failure known as “skip lock.” This issue arises when the seat belt either locks too late in the accident sequence or fails to lock at all.
When skip lock occurs, it allows excessive slack in the belt, again enabling the occupant’s head to strike the interior of the vehicle. In addition to head trauma, this malfunction can also contribute to spinal injuries.
These issues highlight the importance of rigorous seat belt design and testing. Even small flaws in safety mechanisms can lead to devastating consequences for vehicle occupants.
How Can Habush Attorneys Help?
Please contact one of our attorneys today if a defective seat belt has caused you harm in an accident. Our experienced and qualified team of legal professionals are able to successfully conduct all the investigations needed to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your case. Our first consultation is free and confidential.