Why do seatbelts buckle at the waist instead of being adjustable at the shoulder?

Because if it were adjustable at the shoulder and for whatever reason the locking mechanism didn't work, you would fly into the dash. I would much rather sliding onto the floor, then getting popped in the face with a 200MPH airbag. Just my thought.

Why do seatbelts buckle at the waist instead of being adjustable at the shoulder?
The vertical position of the shoulder belt's attachment to the car body can be adjusted on some vehicles.
Reply:because Americans are getting fatter waists, not shoulders
Reply:Most drivers side seatbelts are adjustable at the shoulder. I wish more seatbelts were adjustable at the shoulder because I am short and the shoulder strap is always going across my neck.
Reply:Because of heavyset people. Some are adjustable at the shoulder as well. I personally, do not beleave in sholder


straps as chest trauma from an accident killed my dad, sister, and sister n law all killed in auto accidents. Caused due to LOCKING MECHANISMS.....
Reply:Most seatbelts I've seen are adjustable at the shoulder as well as the waist.
Reply:I agree With JeffAV but also the increased miss use of the seat belt. That is the main reason. Also if it were at the shoulder, if you were to get in an accident your weight would move the adjustable part and throw you forward, possibly snapping your neck.



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