Your Guide To Understanding Different Types Of Seat Belts

You want to be sure you’re choosing the right type of seat belt for your needs, but don’t know where to start. There are so many different types of seat belts available on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. When you’re shopping for a seat belt, it’s important to consider the following factors: What do you need your seat belt for? Are you looking for a basic seat belt to keep you safe in the event of a crash, or do you need something more specialised, like a racing seat belt or coach bus seat belt?

This article was compiled by professionals at the UK’s leading safety belt manufacturers and will certainly guide you through the different types of seat belts available, and help you choose the one that’s best suited to your needs.

A brief History of Seat Belts in the UK

The use of seat belts in the UK can be traced back to the early 1950s, when they were first introduced as an optional extra in cars. Now, the car industry has been installing seat belts since 1965, but the law requiring drivers to wear them did not come into effect for another 18 years. In fact, it wasn’t until 1983 that seat belt laws became mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers. In 1991 it changed again – this time making wearing a belt mandatory across all seats in vehicles operated by drivers and passengers alike.

So yes, as unbelievable as it may sound, it wasn’t actually until 1990 that all passengers in a car were required to wear a seat belt.

Now let’s take a look at the different types of seat belts available on the market.

What is a 2 point seat belt?

 

The 2-point belt is a type of lap belt, designed to keep you safe while driving. The importance behind this safety measure cannot be understated as it is a minimum legal requirement by many countries. In fact, it is the most basic type of all seat belts out there. The belt essentially crosses over the chest area and locks in place to ensure your safety. You mostly find 2 point belts in aeroplanes and different types of buses. Orion Safety belts offer a variety of 2 point seat belts you can choose from.

What is a 3 point seat belt?

The 3-point belt is the type of seat belt that you’re probably most familiar with. When the first three-point seatbelt was sold in a Volvo PV544, it revolutionised the concept of safe driving. It’s the standard seat belt that’s found in most cars, and it consists of a strap that goes over your shoulder and another that goes across your lap. The three-point belt is designed to keep you safe in the event of a crash. It is a classic example of protective motor vehicle equipment. When you hit something with this type of protection, it will spread out energy from your moving body over the chest and pelvis while also protecting those areas in case anything happens during an accident.

The three-point seat belt is a more effective way to protect against crashes than the lap belt. Make sure to check out the high-performing 3 point seat belt at Orion Safety Belts.

What is a 4 point seat belt?

A 4-point harness is the most common type of safety belt, widely used in racing or other off road sports. The extra support ensures that you’re protected when taking corners at high speeds. Nowadays, this type of safety belt is also becoming increasingly popular in regular cars. It’s the preferred choice for many sports car enthusiasts as it can hold you in place much more securely than a standard 3-point belt. When choosing a 4-point harness, it’s important to make sure that the shoulder straps are adjustable, so that you can ensure a comfortable and snug fit. You’ll also want to make sure that the lap belt is tight enough to keep you in place, but not so tight that it becomes uncomfortable.

At Orion Safety Belts, we stock a wide range of 4-point harnesses that are perfect for any type of car. Check them out today.

What is a 5 point seat belt?

The 5-point harness is very similar to the 4-point harness, but with an extra strap mounted to the vehicle. The 5 point seat belt is equipped with buckle release technology and is designed to keep you in place in the event of a crash. It’s particularly useful if you’re travelling with children. The design provides heightened levels for protection, which makes it popular in motorsports vehicles. The 5 point seat belt is also super popular among parents who use it with a child car seat for that extra layer of safety. It’s great to see that people are today better aware of the importance of safety than ever before.

Orion Safety Belts offers a wide range of 5 point seat belts that are sure to meet your needs. Check them out today.

Choose the right seat belt for your needs

Now that you understand the different types of seat belts available, it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. Each type of seat belt has its own unique benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that will offer you the most protection in the event of a crash. If the thought of an accident terrifies you, then it’s definitely worth investing in a good quality seat belt. When you’re shopping for a seat belt, make sure to consider the following factors:

• The type of car you drive
• Your driving habits
• The type of activities you participate in
• The number of passengers you usually have in your car

Once you’ve considered all these factors, you’ll be able to choose the perfect seat belt for your exact needs.

A few seat belt safety tips from our experts

When it comes to car safety, seat belts are one of the most important features. Make sure to always wear your seat belt when driving, no matter what type of car you have. It’s also important to check the condition of your seat belts regularly and replace them if they show any signs of wear and tear. Check out this 5 minute read about 7 seat belt tips for safer driving.

With this article, we’ve guided you through the different types of seat belts available on the market, and hopefully helped you choose the one that’s best suited to your needs. We’ve also provided a few tips on how to stay safe while driving. Now it’s up to you to take the necessary precautions and stay safe on the road. Thanks for reading.

At Orion Safety Belts, we have a wide range of high-performing seat belts that are sure to meet your needs. Check them out today!