Ask an expert

I have a complaint about seat belt manufacturing. I think they are designed and made by men with no thought to the female anatomy at all.

If you are flat chested all well and good, but if you are like me a seat belt continually rides up around my neck. As I get older I am well aware that if anything should happen my neck will be broken before the airbags even erupt, because the seat belt is actually throttling me.

I drive a lot for long miles so it is a big concern for me. Often of late I have started putting my right arm over the seat belt so it rides under my armpit which feels safer but will the belt work in arresting forward motion and is this illegal?

Why hasn't a four point belt been invented or perhaps an extra piece between the upper and lower part of the belt so it does not ride up around the throat.

Nancy

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 2 September 2009

The seat belt should always be fitted with the diagonal part resting on your R/H shoulder (when driving). In the event of a high impact crash you need to be held securely at this point.

There is a very high risk of internal injury if the belt was fitted under your arm as your body could hinge forward and you also run the big risk of your head making contact with the airbag if it deployed.

Check to see if the belt has a sliding (up or down) adjustment where it locates to the car body above your shoulder or try adjusting the seat height to a more favourable position.

Most new cars have pre-tensioner seat belts which means they will retract slightly and lock immediately an impact or potential danger to the driver or passenger is detected. This action helps pull the occupant back into the seat and is deemed the best protection method to date. I'm sure designers are always looking for ways to enhance these devices.