Using a vehicle is one of the safest transportation modes to get you from point a to point b. However, you can’t just hop into your car and zoom into your destination; you still need to practice safety protocols, and one of them is wearing your seat belt.
We all know that wearing a seat belt is an important step that you can’t ignore when you’re inside your car because seat belts save lives. In 2017, data shows that seat belts saved 14,955 lives, reducing fatalities in vehicular accidents. However, just like any life saving device, seat belts are also prone to damage, which could pose a massive risk to your safety.
Some seat belts are subject to design defects and damage, diminishing their effectiveness. These malfunctions often occur during the manufacturing process, resulting in retractor failures and other critical seat belt damage.
For this reason, you need to get seat belt replacement and repair services to ensure that you’re well protected on the road. If you’re dealing with seat belt break downs, what should you do? Here’s everything you need to know about seat belt damage, who’s reliable, and what you should do.
What are the Signs of a Defective Seat Belt?
After a motor vehicle accident, having your seat belt inspected is imperative to ensure your safety. There are various tell-tale signs that you should watch out for that indicate malfunctions needing you to get seat belt replacement or repairs.
- Tears and other damage;
- If passengers were ejected from the vehicle;
- If the passenger/s suffered from injuries even if the vehicle damage is minimal;
- If the passenger struck the dash, steering wheel, or windshield.
What Injuries Can a Passenger Sustain from Defective Seat Belts?
When you have a faulty seat belt, the injuries you can sustain are the same when you don’t wear a seat belt in the event of an accident. These injuries include head, neck, chest, spinal, and abdominal injuries. And aside from fracture, you may also be at risk for paralysis, disfigurement, or even death.
Who is Responsible for Defective Seat Belts?
There are many causes for seat belt malfunction and damage. These defects could include design flaws, improper use, manufacturing and assembly errors, and even lack of warning labels.
Depending on the situation, liability can fall upon the vehicle’s manufacturer, the sea belt supplier, or even the mechanic. In some cases, it could fall upon a driver or passenger who tampers with, damages or disables the device.
What are the Signs of Seat Belt Failure?
When a vehicular accident happens, it doesn’t happen in slow motion. In most cases, seat belt malfunction won’t be immediately clear. But some signs say that a seat belt has failed to operate. Here are some of them:
- When a passenger makes contact with the windshield;
- When a passenger suffers from serious injuries;
- There are visible tears and rips in the belt;
- The seat belt is loose after the crash.
The Bottom Line: Seat Belts Save Lives; That’s Why It’s Important to Ensure it Functions Properly
Seat belts are a critical feature in any vehicle as it keeps everyone safe during transportation. However, malfunctioning seat belts can be a huge cause of serious injuries and deaths. For this reason, ensure that your seat belts are inspected regularly so that experts can conduct seat belt replacements and repairs to keep you and your other passengers protected.
Are You Looking for Seat Belt Replacement Services?
Safety Restore is the world’s leading post-accident restorations company that specializes in seat belt replacements and repairs, as well as airbag modules. Learn more about our services today!