How Often Do Seatbelts Fail?

Understanding Seatbelt Safety

The statistics speak for themselves — wearing seatbelts saves lives. According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017, seatbelt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives.

When you buckle up, you expect your seatbelt to protect you in a crash. From Volvo and Ford, to Dodge and more, there have been plenty of seatbelt failures and manufacturer recalls due to defects over the years. Here are the most common problems when it comes to seatbelt failure.

Retractor Failure

A seatbelt retractor is a mechanical part of a seatbelt responsible for locking up the belt during a sudden stop. If the retractor has a defect and malfunctions, it may not lock up or give excess slack release. This can leave an occupant unprotected, and as a result, an occupant may not be adequately held restrained in the event of an accident.

Latch Failure

The latch is the part of the seatbelt where the buckle secures and releases the tongue, which is attached to the webbing. If a latch malfunctions and comes undone during a car crash, an occupant is left unprotected upon impact and can sustain serious injuries.

Spooling

Spooling happens when too much of the belt is fed out. When too much of the belt feeds out, a passenger cannot be tightly and adequately secured during a collision. The result could be a catastrophic injury.

Defective Webbing

Seatbelts are typically made out of nylon or polyester. In most cases, they are strong enough to withstand the tremendous force; however, if a seatbelt rips upon impact in a car crash, leaving an occupant unprotected, the material could be defective.

When You Need Help After a Car Accident

Being involved in a car crash is a devastating experience and sustaining injuries that can cause a lifetime of physical and mental complications can make it that much more harrowing. When you need help, knowing where to turn can help you get through a difficult time.

When it comes to learning your rights and receiving compensation for your injuries, our attorneys have the experience you need to protect your best interests. We go above and beyond and advocate for individuals who have suffered significant harm due to negligence. We’ll fight to ensure you receive the most successful outcome possible.

Contact Strong Law, P.C. today at (417) 887-4300. When it comes to complex legal matters, we are here for you every step of the way.