RAC68
Darth Vader
Offline
Hi All,
I appreciate that many have made a decision to install 3-point seat belts and, one who is/was considering this installation, I would appreciate knowing their safety basis for doing so.
I have had 2-point seat belts installed in my BJ8P1 the day after I drove out of the dealer and at a time when seat belts were just beginning to be used. Over the years, when considering an change to 3-point belts, I had postponed by consideration due to inconclusive benefits/concerns for their advantage.
When previously considering the 3-point change, either I read or heard that 3-point belts were not recommended for installation in cars with low-backed seats without head rests. The comments indicated that, unlike 2-point belts which transfers the force through the full body, a 3-point belt would restrict the full force of a collision to the upper back and neck. Without head rests present to restrict head movement, whiplash is more likely.
Recently, a friend was considering the installation of 3-point belts and brought up my concerns. Although I could not find a statement indicating a safety belt recommendation for low-backed seats without head rests, I did find an article in Consumer Reports (CR - 2012) discussing the incorrect adjustment of head rests in a modern car that could possibly be considered equivalent to not having head rests. Although the seats were not low backed as in the Healey, it indicated the potential for whiplash was potential even if hit from behind at speeds as low as 10 MPH.
Other then impression, innuendo or style, does anyone have, or can direct me to, information that presents a factual safety recommendation for either 2-point or 3-point seat belts for cars with low backed seats and no head rests? Although here we are talking Healey, it seems to me that this recommendation will also apply to many other early sports cars with low backed seats and no head rests.
Thanks,
Ray(64BJ8P1)
I appreciate that many have made a decision to install 3-point seat belts and, one who is/was considering this installation, I would appreciate knowing their safety basis for doing so.
I have had 2-point seat belts installed in my BJ8P1 the day after I drove out of the dealer and at a time when seat belts were just beginning to be used. Over the years, when considering an change to 3-point belts, I had postponed by consideration due to inconclusive benefits/concerns for their advantage.
When previously considering the 3-point change, either I read or heard that 3-point belts were not recommended for installation in cars with low-backed seats without head rests. The comments indicated that, unlike 2-point belts which transfers the force through the full body, a 3-point belt would restrict the full force of a collision to the upper back and neck. Without head rests present to restrict head movement, whiplash is more likely.
Recently, a friend was considering the installation of 3-point belts and brought up my concerns. Although I could not find a statement indicating a safety belt recommendation for low-backed seats without head rests, I did find an article in Consumer Reports (CR - 2012) discussing the incorrect adjustment of head rests in a modern car that could possibly be considered equivalent to not having head rests. Although the seats were not low backed as in the Healey, it indicated the potential for whiplash was potential even if hit from behind at speeds as low as 10 MPH.
Other then impression, innuendo or style, does anyone have, or can direct me to, information that presents a factual safety recommendation for either 2-point or 3-point seat belts for cars with low backed seats and no head rests? Although here we are talking Healey, it seems to me that this recommendation will also apply to many other early sports cars with low backed seats and no head rests.
Thanks,
Ray(64BJ8P1)