-
Several U.S. physicians equip their own cars with lap belts and begin urging manufacturers to provide them in all new cars.
-
Colorado State Medical Society publishes policy supporting installation of lap belts in all automobiles
-
Sports Car Club of America requires competing drivers to wear lap belts
-
California Vehicle Code is amended to require State approval of seat belts before their sale or use
-
Volvo markets 2-point cross-chest diagonal belt as accessory
• Ford and Chrysler offer lap belts in front as option on some models
• Ford begins 2-year ad campaign based on safety, focusing heavily on belts -
Six U.S. States require front outboard seat belt anchors
-
About half the U.S. States require seat belt anchorages at front outboard
-
France mandates seat belts in rear: either 3 lap belts or 3-points at outboard positions and lap belt at center (most manufacturers choose later option)
-
In August, NHTSA denied a petition brought by the Center for Auto Safety and 21 other organizations or individuals that sought a federal requirement for lap/shoulder seat belts on large school buses.
-
o 2-Point Seat Belt: A restraint system with two attachment points. A lap belt.
o 3-Point Seat Belt: A seat belt with both a lap and a shoulder portion, having three attachment points .
o Lap Belt: A seat belt anchored at two points, for use across the occupant's thighs/hips.
o Lap/Shoulder Belt: A seat belt that is anchored at three points and restrains the occupant at the hips and across the shoulder. -
o Ford introduces the auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts, which are designed to provide additional protection for rear seat occupants, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries