Evaluation of the Comfort and Convenience of Safety Belt Systems in 1980 and 1981 Model Vehicles

摘要

An analysis was conducted of both user and vehicle characteristics that influence the user perceptions of safety belt system comfort and convenience. A research design was developed involving various passenger cars, vans, and pickups, and a set of drivers of different sex, weight, and height combinations. A statistical analysis of the test results using crosstabulation and analysis of variance identified height, vehicle size, type of belt system, and other factors as having a significant impact on perceptions of safety belt comfort and convenience. An additional phase of these studies examined the compatibility of child restraint devices with existing safety belt systems. Several devices currently available on the open market were evaluated in each of the test vehicles. Problems identified include the need for special locking devices in some vehicles, the incompatibility of automatic belt systems, and bulky retractor devices.