What is seatbelt

Seatbelts are a safety device for passengers in vehicles. Without them, passengers could potentially suffer serious injuries in a traffic collision. So how did seatbelts first come into existence?

How it invented?

In the early 1800s, aviation pioneer George Cayley used seatbelts in airplanes to restrain pilots from being ejected.

^{Ilustration of George Cayley}

This seat belt was simply a two-point harness, wrapped around the pilot's thighs. This invention would later become the starting point for the development of seat belts in the automotive industry.

In 1885, Edward J. Claghorn received the first patent for a seat belt in the United States. His design, a belt with a hook to secure the passenger to a fixed object, was used in New York taxis.

_{Illustration of 2 point seatelt usage}

It says that seatbelt patent is free to use?

Yes, in 1959 the three-point seat belt was developed by Nils Bohlin, an engineer at the Volvo automotive manufacturer. This design was safer because it simultaneously held the body at the lap and shoulder level. In 1960, Volvo distributed the patent for the three-point seat belt freely for use throughout the automotive industry. Thanks to Volvo, the entire automotive industry could freely use the three-point seat belt concept without worrying about copyright issues.

Then, in 1970, regulations in various countries began requiring seat belts in new cars.

In Indonesia, the mandatory use of seat belts is regulated by Law No. 22 of 2009, Article 106, paragraph 6. Drivers and front passengers are required to wear seat belts, with fines for violators.

Do drivers love it?

However, the use of seat belts was not without refusal from users. Users often complained about the discomfort of having the belt wrapped around their bodies throughout the journey. Yet, seat belts can reduce the risk of injury in accidents by up to 50%.

So?

So, a wise driver abosolutely won't refuse to wear a seat belt. Because we never know what will happen on the road. It only takes one accident to change the story of our lives. (WR)