Everybody knows the 3-point seat belts that are present on almost all cars, but do you know the other types of seat belts that exist for other purposes?
Different Points
The most common type of seat belt present is the 3-point seat belt equipped as standard on all cars. It is called 3-point as the seat belt is fixed on 3-points, one over the shoulder, and two points around your lap.
Older cars may only have 2-point seat belts, which is only fixed to two points over your lap, which secures you in place in case of an accident but leaves your torso free to move, so that’s why the 3-point seat belt which also keeps your torso in place is the de facto standard for cars nowadays.
More Points?
For special purposes such as racing seats, toddler seats, and seats for disabilities, more points may be used, such as 4-points, 5-points, and even 6-point seat belts exist..
The most common application is in racing, where drivers have racing seats with 4-point or even 6-point harnesses. 4-point harnesses have two points over each shoulder, and two points over the lap. 5-point seat belts have an additional point in between the legs. And 6-point seat belts further improve on it, with two points under the driver’s legs, ensuring that no matter what happens you’ll be firmly strapped onto your seat.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
These seat belts with more points are also more complicated to put on, but they are important for those who race their cars, where because of the high speeds there is a much stronger force throwing them around, which normal 3-point seat belts cannot provide enough hold.
Can You Change Your Seat Belts?
3-point seat belts are enough for normal driving, and you usually cannot change out the seat belts of your car for those with more points unless you also change out your seat, which is unnecessary unless you participate in car racing.