Seat belts have come a long way since they were first invented in the latter part of the 1800s. Today, modern seat belts bear little resemblance to their outdated counterparts, and new safety features are invented all the time. One such safety feature is a loop of fabric attached to passenger seats that rests above the buckle. If you’re wondering what this loop does, you’re not alone. Read on to learn more about how seat belts have changed over the years, including the addition of a fabric loop often seen in modern vehicles.
Seat Belts are Continually Improving
It’s hard to believe that prior to 1966, having seat belts in American cars was an entirely optional feature. The first seat belts were meant to keep people securely seated in taxi cabs, and these restraining devices were little more than a single strip of fabric that stretched across the waist. Eventually, seat belts began to feature a three-point design made to secure the upper body to the seat in the event of an accident. Since then, engineers have modified seat belts in numerous ways to improve their ability to protect passengers in different types of collisions. This is where that mysterious loop of fabric above the buckle enters the scene.
The Reason for the Fabric Loop on Modern Seat Belts
If you’ve purchased a new vehicle in recent years, you’ve likely noticed a small loop of material attached near the buckle of your seat belts. During an accident, this loop of fabric is meant to tear, essentially helping to absorb some of the shock from the collision. Aside from helping to protect passengers, this loop also prevents seat belts from sliding down the side of the seat while driving. This ensures the buckle won’t rattle against the side of the door when you’re on the road.
Why Driver’s Side Seat Belts have a Button Instead of a Loop
While these loops are becoming standard for most vehicles today, you’ve likely noticed that the driver’s seat often has a button installed near the buckle instead of this loop of material. This button has the practical function of keeping the buckle from sliding down into the recesses of the seat. However, the main reason there’s a button instead of a loop is that it’s essential to prevent the driver from coming into contact with the wheel during an accident. If the fabric loop were included on the driver’s side, this could cause the driver to come into contact with the steering column during an accident.
Find Your Next Vehicle at Valley Automall
If you’re interested in buying a vehicle with all of today’s most advanced safety features Valley Automall has what you need. Visit us today to explore our vast inventory of cars, trucks, sports utility vehicles, and more equipped with some of the most sophisticated technologies and safety improvements (including seat belts) available on the market. Our friendly associates will help you find the perfect car for you, answering any questions you have along the way.