Seat Belts versus Shoulder Harness

This paper compares the performance of seat belts and shoulder Harnesses in high-performance vehicles used in hazardous traffic assignments by the Los Angeles Police Department. Results are positive in favor of the harness, and support the predictions of effectiveness reported in the many research and test projects concerned with restraining devices. Also discussed are the steps taken in the design and field testing of vehicle occupant “packaging.” A basic question is raised: Can or will the harness replace the seat belt in the near future?