Seatbelts

A three-point seatbelt is a belt with three attachment points: one on the side pillar, and one on each side of the driver's or passenger's hips.

The three-point belt is superior to the older lap-only seatbelt for a couple of reasons. Not only do three-point belts reduce the likelihood of the wearer hitting the steering wheel, windshield, or other interior surfaces, but they spread the crash forces over more of the body and reduce the strain of the lap belt on the lower body. Beginning in 2002, light-trucks manufacturers were required to have some form of three-point seat belts for both front-AND rear-seat occupants.

Above all, a seatbelt must be comfortable when it's snug against the body. If it's not comfortable, it's tempting not to wear it. And if it's not snug, it may not provide the protection it should. In fact, slackened seatbelts may INCREASE the risk of injury. For these reasons, some of today's light trucks have belt adjusters, and some come equipped with belt tensioners. It's a simple slide device that allows the shoulder belt anchor on the truck's pillar to be moved up and down to accommodate occupants of various heights and body builds. It's not rocket-science, and it's a wonder all cars and trucks don't have them.

Ford and its Volvo subsidiary have been testing two different versions of four-point seatbelt designs - a criss-cross belt called the X4, and the V4. The former is much like the conventional three-point belt with an additional shoulder belt on the opposite side. The V4 uses four straps that buckle over your abdomen, similar to the safety harnesses used in racecars and baby seats.

Four-point belts better distribute crash forces over your body, and reduce by half the force of the belt on your chest during a collision. The belts also keep you in the best position for maximum protection from your car's airbag and other safety systems.

Four-point seatbelts will likely be offered in some vehicles - including light trucks - in three to four years.