Whether you are driving a sports car, a luxury car, or an economic model, a seatbelt is one of its most essential features. It keeps you safe in the event of an accident, making it a must-have in every vehicle. However, only a few people are aware of the design choices featured in it.
For example, the loop on your seatbelt is there for a very crucial reason, but it’s only featured on the seatbelt in the back. The driver’s seat has no loop, but a button releases the belt if you need it to. Other cars may have this feature as well, but you’d need to check your official manual to see it.
This loop on your seatbelt is located right next to the buckle and has a specific name: the fabric loop. This loop keeps your belt in good shape, with fabric that won’t degrade or fray. This odd design choice can make some scratch their heads in confusion.
Why can’t you see it on the driver’s seatbelt? Is this a design flaw?
There are several reasons for this, some of which you can’t see. To clarify that, here are a couple of reasons that clear things up.
1. There’s a Button That Releases the Seatbelt
While the fabric loop keeps the belt in good shape, it is not a safety feature. It’s a small fabric loop that is made to keep the fabric from fraying and wearing out. The button, however, is a safety feature and is present only on the driver’s seatbelt. It is there to release the seatbelt in case of an emergency.
2. The Belt Is Made Specifically to the Driver’s Size
The seatbelt, just like the rest of the car seats, needs to fit the driver’s body properly. While this is true of all the front seats, it’s especially true of the driver’s seat since it’s the one that’s used every day and may be used in various circumstances. This is why the driver’s seatbelt is specially made for their body, and using a different seatbelt wouldn’t do.
3. The Driver’s Seatbelt Is Specially Made for Different Situations
The driver’s one is the only seatbelt designed to be used in different situations of the three seat belts. Other seatbelts are designed to be used in different cases, but they are limited. The driver’s seatbelt, however, is a whole different animal.
4. The Driver’s Seatbelt Has a Quick-Release Mechanism
The fabric loop keeps the belt in shape, but it doesn’t keep the car accident from happening. While the seatbelt can keep you from being thrown from the car, what happens if you’re trapped in the wreckage? This is why the driver’s seatbelt is specially made with a quick-release mechanism.
If you are trapped in the car, this is your get-out-of-jail-free pass. Push the button once, and you can be free from your vehicle. This is why you’ll only find this feature on the driver’s seatbelt and not on the passenger’s one.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a passenger or the driver, the seatbelt is there to keep you safe in case of a car accident. On the one hand, knowing that the seatbelt has a quick-release mechanism may help you in an emergency if you’re the passenger. On the other hand, knowing what to do if you’re trapped in the car can save your life if you’re the driver.
Either way, driving safely is your number one priority, and you should always be aware of your surroundings.
If you are looking for a company that will repair your broken seatbelt in Westfield, MA, look no further than our expertise here at SRS Restore. We are efficient in repairing and rebuilding seatbelts locked after an accident. Contact us today and let us tend to your locked belts for you!