Effectiveness of Safety Belts Under Various Directions of Crashes

Studies of the effectiveness of safety belts were carried out under various directions of crashes, including dynamic sled investigations, destructive barrier tests, and impact tests. The studies showed that three-point belts were effective in frontal impact from 0-30 deg, but that their effectiveness diminished after 45 deg because the belt slips off the chest. The three-point belt did not provide protection for the knees. The studies also pointed out that the anchorage system of the belt is a very important factor in its effectiveness.