Ever since cars became a means of everyday transportation, the evolution of seat belts has been key to improving road safety. The invention of the three-point seat belt, in particular, is considered one of the greatest innovations in automotive safety.
The evolution of seat belts
- Initial Stage: In 1885, Edward Krahoun designed the first seat belts for taxis in New York, which at first were quite primitive but laid the foundation.
- Technological innovation: In 1959, Nils Boleyn, with the support of Volvo, invented the modern three-point seat belt, which effectively dispersed the force of impact through the belt and shoulder straps, greatly improving the safety of passengers.
The safety benefits of three-point seat belts
- The life-saving effect is significant: Since its introduction, the three-point harness has saved more than a million lives. It significantly reduces the risk of fatal injury by preventing passengers from being thrown out of the vehicle in a collision.
- Continuous improvement: In the decades that followed, the three-point harness continued to evolve, introducing technologies such as inertia retractors, pretensioners, and more to further enhance its protection in car crashes.
Three-point seat belts are not only the cornerstone of vehicle safety, but also an integral part of car design. Its popularity is a testament to the profound impact of a great invention on society, ensuring that every drive is a safe journey.