Safety share - June 2009

About 30 people are killed on Queensland roads each year as a result of not wearing a seatbelt. In New South Wales, at least 16 per cent of the 435 people killed on the roads in 2007 were unrestrained.

According to Queensland Transport, wearing a seatbelt can improve a person’s chance of surviving a serious crash by up to 50 per cent and has been credited with saving countless lives. Still, seatbelts are one of the most overlooked of all motor vehicle safety features.

The main role of the seatbelt is to prevent vehicle occupants being ejected from the vehicle, or from contacting the inside of the vehicle during a crash. Even in vehicles fitted with airbags, the seatbelt remains the primary method of restraint.

Seatbelts, like any other part of the car, require regular inspections to ensure they are safe and serviceable. Unlike mechanical servicing that requires a degree of mechanical knowledge, this is simply a matter of visual inspection and a check of the belt's operation.

Seatbelt maintenance and checks

Seatbelts should be kept clean, as dirt and grit will cause internal damage to the fibres that make up the webbing. Try using mild soap and lukewarm water to clean the webbing, and avoid using bleach or solvents
The webbing should be securely attached to its end fittings and flat throughout its entire length and should not be frayed, damaged or sun bleached. If the seatbelt is warped, it can indicate the belt has been stretched and you may wish to replace it
The tongue and buckle assemblies should securely latch and eject freely when released. Plastic and metal components should have no signs of cracks, warps, deformation or other damage
Try to ensure all anchorage points are securely fastened and free from corrosion and damage
The retracting mechanism can be tested by grasping the webbing and pulling it out suddenly. The belt should lock and then freely retract when released. When moved slowly the belt should pull out and retract fully without sticking or binding
Try to avoid buying used belts from a wrecking yard, as their history is completely unknown.

Should any danger signs be present, or if there is any doubt about a seatbelt’s safety, the seatbelt should be replaced. If you are unsure of the condition of the belt consult your mechanic.

The above information was sourced from the RACQ website: http://www.racq.com.au/motoring_advice/safer_cars/technical_factsheets/seatbelts